Traditionally, Congress must pass 12 bills that fund federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year, which begins on October 1st. Congress can also pass a budget extension known as a continuing resolution, or CR, to keep the government open. If Congress does not pass either all 12 bills or a CR, federal government funding expires, prompting a government shutdown.
Unfortunately, funding expired this morning at 12:01am, and we have entered into a government shutdown.
I am writing to inform you what this may look like for you and your families. Below are some frequently asked questions.
Impact on Government Benefits and Services
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Will I continue to receive my Social Security checks?
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Yes. You will continue to receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks. However, some Social Security services are likely to be affected, including benefit verifications and the issuance of Medicare replacement cards. There may also be reduced hours at field offices.
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I am on food assistance. Will my programs be affected?
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Not immediately. Individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue to receive their October 2025 payments, even if there is a shutdown. If the shutdown lasts longer than 30 days, SNAP benefits could be delayed or interrupted entirely.
Benefits through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also should not be impacted if there is a short shutdown. However, if the shutdown lasts longer than a week, WIC benefits could be impacted.
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Will I still be able to use my Medicaid and Medicare?
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Yes. Medicare and Medicaid will not be impacted, and benefits will continue as usual.
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Will I still receive my mail?
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Yes, the U.S. Postal Service will remain operational.
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I am a veteran, will my health care be impacted? How will other veterans’ services be impacted?
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No, veterans’ health care will not be impacted by a shutdown. Benefits such as pension, education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed and delivered.
Access to some Veterans’ Affairs (VA) resources will be restricted, including outreach, career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance. Regional VA offices will also be closed.
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Will immigration applications still be processed?
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Visa and passport operations are not normally impacted during a shutdown. Some immigration cases may be delayed.
Please note that law enforcement, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, will still be operational.
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Do I still have to pay my student loans?
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Yes, student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt. Federal student aid employees will still be working during a government shutdown.
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Information for Federal Employees
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I am a federal employee. Will I receive back pay for furloughed days?
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Yes. After the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which requires retroactive pay for furloughed employees following the end of a government shutdown. Generally, benefits such as health insurance continue during a shutdown furlough; however, federal employees may need to wait until they are returned to pay status before they can adjust their benefits.
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I am a federal worker, contractor, or I am employed at a federal building that will not be open. Can I file for unemployment benefits?
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Yes. If the government shuts down, furloughed federal workers and contractors can apply for unemployment. You can apply here for unemployment benefits .
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Note: Federal employees considered essential and working, but not getting paid due to a shutdown, are not eligible for unemployment.
As we navigate this shutdown, please be assured our district office remains available to assist constituents and connect you to resources. However, due to the furlough of federal workers at different agencies, casework inquiries may be delayed.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.