GSA preps code for shutdown of text service for government benefits

The General Services Administration appears to be prepping to shut down its text message platform Notify.gov, which helps agencies send reminders about benefit programs like Medicaid.

The agency’s GitHub shows the creation of a banner, not yet deployed, telling visitors to its app that “the Notify.gov text-messaging service is no longer available.” The GitHub list for upcoming sprints also includes a “full Notify.gov sunset plan” and “short-term changes to prepare Notify deprecation.”

Although it’s not yet clear that the shutdown of Notify.gov will happen — GSA didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment — the agency at least has this notification about the service’s end prepared. 

The part of GSA running the service — the Technology Transformation Service — is also staring down massive downsizing. The agency eliminated its tech consultancy, 18F, over the weekend. About 100 TTS feds have already been dismissed, and on Thursday FedScoop reported that the director of TTS told staff the team will be cut down by 50%. 

GSA launched the texting service in late 2023 and piloted it with programs like the city of Norfolk’s Medicaid program, sending over 8,000 text reminders about renewal deadlines and eligibility requirements. 

“Text messages can inform people about programs, ease the burden of remembering when to renew, and provide clarity about maintaining benefits,” a 2024 GSA blog about the service reads. 

Last month, an engineer on the Notify.gov team quit rather than grant access to the new head of TTS, Thomas Shedd.