Government Shutdown FAQ
On October 1st, the government entered a shutdown due to Congressional Republicans' inaction to fund the government and keep operations open. Certain government programs will be impacted, resulting in a range of disruptions in essential services.
Each year, Congress must pass legislation to fund government operations for the coming fiscal year. Congressional Democrats proposed a government funding bill that improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of the American people, but Republicans have refused to negotiate.
Below are frequently asked questions about what occurs in the event of a government shutdown. The information below is subject to change based on the Trump Administration’s policies.
My office will remain open and stands ready to assist you. My team will continue to assist constituents with issues relating to federal agencies.
Please call my Lombard, IL office at (630) 520-9450 or my Washington, DC office at (202) 225-4561 for assistance.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Social Security disbursements should be processed as usual. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA may stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments.
People looking to apply for and access retirement, disability, or survivor benefits for the first time are likely to face extended wait times, and customer service wait times may dramatically increase due to limited staffing.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries should continue to receive their benefits, assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. Staffing shortages may mean delays for some services.
What happens to veterans' services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics should remain operational. The VA should continue to process veterans’ benefits, and the VA’s primary call center and Veterans Crisis Lines should remain open. The VA may cease providing transition program assistance and career counseling, and the GI Bill and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance hotlines may be closed. VA benefits regional offices will also likely be closed.
Veterans may also be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
Each federal agency has its own plan for government shutdowns.
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough.
Pursuant to the Government Employee Free Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees must be retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are considered essential and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care may cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare should not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will likely also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees should continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes may be delayed.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. Travelers may see longer wait times due to staffing shortages.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff should still respond to emergencies, but long-term projects may be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — may be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites may slow or cease.
What is the impact on food assistance?
It is expected that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Nutrition (CN) Programs will continue operations for October and November, based on multi-year carry-over funds and contingency reserves.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities and initiatives aimed at reducing foodborne illnesses — may be delayed or halted across the country. The FDA should continue managing recalls and drug shortages.
What is the impact on housing?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) may stop insuring some new mortgages, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may stop processing some new loans.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) may stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA may continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.
How will this affect small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) may not accept, review, or approve any new business loans for small businesses.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
What does this mean for medical research?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) may be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial may be turned away.
How will student loans be impacted?
Free Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA), Pell Grant, and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing of federal student loans should continue for a limited time during a shutdown. However, the FAFSA customer service center may be closed. Additionally, student loan forgiveness programs may be delayed.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.
How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
If American citizens are abroad and need assistance, they should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
What is the impact on state and local services?
The federal government shutdown should not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.