Federal Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions
Funding for the federal government expired on October 1, 2025. I am working to keep critical services up and running for families in our community, but the Republican controlled White House, House, and Senate are unwilling to come to the table to negotiate a deal to lower the cost of healthcare for 24 million Americans.
An extreme MAGA shutdown will have serious impacts across the nation, hurting working families, damaging our economy, and endangering our security.
Many federal offices have furloughed staff dedicated to answering questions and responding to comments. Processes may be slowed or completely paused during the shutdown. To help you plan for this federal government shutdown, my office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. You can also contact my office at 213-481-1425 or submit a casework request here: Casework Form.
Why is the government shutdown?
Each fiscal year, Congress passes 12 appropriations bills to fund government agencies, operations, and programs. In the event routine appropriations bills are unable to pass, Congress can implement a temporary measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR). As the September 30 deadline for the CR approached, Republicans refused to negotiate with Democrats to keep the government open and address healthcare costs that would impact millions of Americans. Instead, House Republicans canceled votes and left Washington D.C., causing the CR to expire and leaving the government without authorized funding.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Yes. Social Security and SSI are mandatory programs and checks will continue to go out on time. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will suspend most non-essential services such as benefit verifications and processing overpayments, and customer service wait times will grow longer. Applications for new benefits and replacement Social Security cards may also face delays if the shutdown is prolonged.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will keep receiving benefits because these programs are funded through mandatory spending. However, certain administrative tasks, such as processing new enrollments, appeals, or provider approvals, may slow significantly if the shutdown continues for weeks or months.
What happens to veterans’ services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain open, and VA will continue to process benefits and deliver health care. But other services veterans rely on – like education and job training programs, business support, and assistance for homeless veterans – may be delayed or interrupted if their funding is tied to annual appropriations.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
During a government shutdown, only “excepted” federal employees keep working. These include military personnel, law enforcement officers, air traffic controllers, border patrol agents, emergency medical staff, and others who protect life, property, and national security. All other “non-excepted” employees are furloughed without pay until funding is restored. Agencies have been instructed by the Office of Management and Budget to prepare reduction-in-force (RIF) plans, which could make some furloughs permanent.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
No. Military and federal civilian retirees will continue to receive their pensions and benefits even during a shutdown. However, processing of new retirement applications or changes to existing benefits may be delayed until government funding is restored.
Will my student loans be affected?
Pell grants and Federal District Student loans will continue to be disbursed during a shutdown as long as carryover and mandatory appropriations last. If the shutdown continues for an extended period of time, school districts, universities, and colleges may experience funding shortages.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents are considered essential and will keep working without pay. If staffing shortages occur due to unpaid work – as has happened in previous shutdowns – travelers could face significant delays and longer security lines nationwide.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will continue responding to immediate emergencies, but long-term recovery projects and mitigation efforts may be paused if the Disaster Relief Fund runs low during the shutdown.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
During a shutdown, the Environmental Protection Agency will suspend most inspections of hazardous waste sites, chemical facilities, and drinking water systems, and cleanup projects, including those addressing dangerous PFAS contamination, will slow or stop until funding is restored.
What is the impact on food assistance?
The Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of federal funding, leaving families without support. In a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could also face disruptions if administrative operations stall. States may be forced to cover costs temporarily but cannot do so indefinitely.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
The Food and Drug Administration will pause most routine food safety inspections and oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Essential public health activities may continue at reduced capacity, but new clinical trials and much of the research at the National Institutes of Health will be delayed, with NIH expecting to furlough about 75% of its staff.
What is the impact on housing?
The Federal Housing Administration will stop insuring many new mortgages, and both HUD and USDA will suspend most new housing loans and loan guarantees. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans, but may be impacted if the shutdown lasts for an extended period.
How will this affect small businesses?
The Small Business Administration will stop processing most new business loans, including 7(a) and 504 loans. Only disaster loan programs are expected to keep running at normal levels if they are pre-funded.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service operates independently of annual federal appropriations, so mail delivery will continue as usual during a government shutdown.
What does this mean for medical research?
The National Institutes of Health will furlough most staff and delay or cancel many new clinical trials and grant reviews, turning away patients waiting for experimental treatments. Critical ongoing research will continue only in life-and-death situations.
Will I still be able to visit Washington D.C.?
All D.C. government visitor centers are considered non-essential and will be closed. All tours for the U.S. Capitol, White House, and FBI Building have been canceled during the shutdown. The Supreme Court and Bureau of Engraving and Printing will be open for tours; however, these tours may not be available for last-minute scheduling. If you have a tour scheduled through our office and want to check the status, please call us at 202-225-6235 or email our tour coordinator at Sophia.Cho@mail.house.gov.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
The National Park Service will close most staffed services, including campgrounds and visitor centers, and trash collection will stop. Some open-air monuments and trails may remain accessible but without maintenance or staff. Smithsonian museums will also likely close if the shutdown lasts more than a few days.
How does this affect passports and visas?
Consular services, passport issuance, and visa processing will continue, but if the shutdown is prolonged, services may be delayed.
What is the impact on state and local services?
State and local government offices will remain open, but many depend on federal funding to operate programs like housing aid, food assistance, and homelessness services. If the shutdown is prolonged, states may be forced to either cover costs or reduce services.
