Impact of a Government Shutdown

Funding for the federal government expires at midnight on September 30. To help you plan for a possible federal government shutdown, my office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. You can also contact my office at (202) 225-8050.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks? 

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments and the public will likely experience increased wait times for customer service. 

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected? 

Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.

What is the impact on veterans' services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed. 

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?

When there is a government shutdown, federal agencies are required to classify their employees as either "essential" or "non-essential." “Essential” employees continue to work during the shutdown. However, the employees classified as "non-essential" are put on unpaid furlough. 

Where can furloughed employees get financial assistance during a government shutdown?

Furloughed employees who are D.C. residents can apply for Unemployment Insurance in D.C. Applicants must file for unemployment insurance in the state or district where they work. For instance, if your work station is in DC, but you live in Maryland, you must file for unemployment insurance in DC.

Various credit unions offer interest-free loans to impacted federal employees. Individuals who believe they may be furloughed during a government shutdown can call to inquire about setting up an account.

• Congressional Federal Credit Union: Furloughed employees and those working without pay can apply for the "Relief Line of Credit" with an interest-free rate over 60 days.
• FedChoice: The Federal Credit Union has several options listed in its Furlough Center at www.fedchoice.org.
• Navy Federal Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. Government contractors may be eligible if their direct deposit is received directly from the federal government and will be impacted by a government shutdown.
• U.S. Employees Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. According to its website, the Government Shutdown Loan is to be "repaid in 60 days or when the government processes back pay, whichever is sooner."
• USAA: Impacted federal employees that have direct deposit setup for a USAA bank can qualify for a no-interest loan.

Do furloughed federal employees get back pay?

After the 2018/2019 shutdown, Congress passed legislation to guarantee back pay for all furloughed and essential federal employees. However, for the tens of thousands of federal contractors who may get furloughed during a government shutdown, back pay is not guaranteed.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?

In previous shutdowns, all active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders were excepted and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care ceased, but off-base care provided through Tricare was not affected. On-base child care was open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement was also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.

Will my mail still arrive?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

Will commercial air travel be affected?

In prior shutdowns, air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents remained on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over. 

What is the impact on small businesses? 

In prior shutdowns, the Small Business Administration (SBA) stopped processing new business loans, such as through the7(a) and 504programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program continued regular operations.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?

In prior shutdowns, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) stopped insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)stopped processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA)also stopped new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans.

What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?

FEMA staff will still respond to emergencies. In prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

What is the impact on food safety activities? 

In prior shutdowns, some Food and Drug Administration (FDA)food safety activities—such as routine inspections of facilities—were delayed.

What is the impact on the Centers for Disease Control?

During a shutdown, CDC has to greatly curtail its activities that conduct flu and COVID-19 surveillance and monitoring, promote immunization, support state and local health departments, and update disease treatment and prevention recommendations.

How will this affect Citizenship and Immigration?                                                                                      

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices will remain open, however, with decreased staff, slowdowns, and processing delays are to be expected.

What is the process to end a government shutdown, and can the President unilaterally end it?

To end a government shutdown, Congress needs to pass – and the President must sign – legislation to fund the departments and agencies that have been shut down. The President does not have the power to end a shutdown unilaterally. The funding bills follow the same legislative process as any other bill, requiring approval from both the House and Senate before the President can sign them into law.