My offices in Washington DC and Stockbridge will remain staffed. Should you have any casework or questions about this government shutdown, please call our District Office at (770) 210-5073 or our DC office at (202)-225-2939. We will do our best to assist you.
What is a government shutdown and why does it happen?
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that fund the operations of federal agencies and programs. These 12 appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. In the absence of routine appropriations bills, Congress may pass temporary measures, known as a continuing resolution (CR). Currently, the federal government is operating under a CR that expired on September 30, 2025.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security?
Social Security is a mandatory program, and payments should not be impacted by a shutdown; however, new enrollees may see delays in new claims or benefit verification.
Will Medicare or Medicaid be impacted?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have stated they have enough funding to last through the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year; however, furloughs are expected to impact the issuance of replacement cards and delay new enrollment processing. Telehealth services through Medicare and Medicaid expired September 30th, 2025, and will need to be extended in a government funding bill.
I rely on food programs like SNAP and WIC. Will I receive payments?
Per the Agriculture Department, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs will continue to operate as usual. SNAP recipients can expect to receive their monthly allotment for October, and retailers will continue to accept SNAP benefits. If the shutdown lasts more than 30 days, WIC may not have enough funding to accept new applicants, and new SNAP enrollees may see delays in benefit approval.
Will I receive my Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits?
According to the VA Department, benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. Burials will continue at national cemeteries, as well as applications for headstones, markers, and burial processing, although the National Cemetery Applicant Assistance (1-800-697-6947) hotline will be closed. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue to make decisions on cases. Call Centers: The VA’s primary call center (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain open 24/7.
However, the VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities. The GI Bill Hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1) will be closed, and VA benefits regional offices will remain unstaffed for the duration of the shutdown. For more information, please visit the VA’s website here.
What happens to my federal student loans?
According to the Department of Education, student aid disbursements, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans, will continue during the shutdown. Student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments. However, during a shutdown, some department staff may be furloughed and assistance with these programs may be delayed.
Are Federal Employees Paid
During a government shutdown all non-essential government employees are placed on unpaid leave, known as furlough. Essential employees, which means those employees who perform emergency work involving the safety of human life, protection of property, or are exempted continue to report to their job without pay. Each federal agency makes its own determination about which employees will be furloughed, and which must continue to report to work. Neither essential nor furloughed employees are authorized to receive compensation during a lapse in government funding. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, 31 U.S.C. § 1341 (GEFTA) statutorily requires retro-active pay for furloughed and essential employees following the end of a lapse in government funding.
How does a shutdown affect airports?
A shutdown could mean longer security times and flight delays, but air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees are considered essential employees and will continue to work without pay. However, air travelers should prepare for potentially longer wait times, delays, and possible cancellations, particularly in the event of a prolonged shutdown.
Is USPS delivering mail?
USPS is unimpacted by a government shutdown.
Can I renew my passport?
The State Department will continue to process passport applications and visa requests if funding allows. However, delays in processing times are expected and certain domestic support for consular operations will be suspended.
Are National Parks closed?
National Parks will remain open, but most services will be halted. Visitor centers will be closed, entrance fees will not be collected, and campsites will not be staffed. There are also limited emergency services and safety updates will not be published. Please take this into account when planning any visits or hikes.
If I’m coming to DC, will my tours still take place?
Unfortunately, tour guides and the Capitol Visitor Center staff are considered non-essential and have been closed. This means all tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, FBI, and Treasury buildings have been cancelled. If you have a tour scheduled through our office and have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 202-225-2939.
