Federal Government Shutdown FAQs

The federal government may enter a government shutdown beginning on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Below are some frequently asked questions about a shutdown and key information you need to know. 

In the event of a government shutdown, our district offices will still be available to help NY-14 constituents and connect them with resources. Because of the furlough of federal workers at different agencies, casework inquiries may be delayed during a shutdown.

NY-14 constituents can call/leave a voicemail at 718-662-5970 with any questions.

DISCLAIMER: The following information is based on previous government shutdowns. It is important to note that the White House has discretion over which agencies continue operating during a shutdown; as of now, ICE, TSA, and other law enforcement agencies will remain operable. As more information becomes available, this page will be updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a federal government shutdown?

Congress has to pass 12 appropriations bills that fund all the different federal government agencies that provide everyday services to the American people before the end of the fiscal year. The federal government will run out of funds at the end of this fiscal year, September 30, 2025.

They 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 the bills or a CR, the federal government runs out of money, and the government enters a shutdown. This year, because the House and Senate Republicans, as the governing majority, failed to ensure all of the 12 appropriations bills became law and refused to negotiate a CR with Senate Democrats, we expect there to be a government shutdown.

What government spending is impacted by a shutdown?

The government funds programs through two types of spending: 

• Mandatory spending is authorized outside of the normal appropriations process for essential programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and should not be affected by a government shutdown.
• Discretionary spending is authorized by Congress through the annual appropriations process for programs like Pell Grants, housing assistance, and other benefits. These programs may see a sudden or gradual lapse of funding or be partially impacted in the event of a government shutdown. 

Other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Postal Service, operate independently of government funding and will remain unaffected.  Details about specific programs are included below.

Impact on Government Benefits and Services

Will I continue to receive my Social Security checks?

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. 

I am on food assistance. Will my programs be affected?

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. 

Will I still be able to use my Medicaid and Medicare?

Yes. Medicare and Medicaid will not be impacted and benefits will continue as usual.

Will Federally Qualified Health Centers continue operating?

Yes. Federally Qualified Health Centers, also referred to as Community Health Centers, will continue their day-to-day operations uninterrupted.

While not related to the government shutdown, starting October 1, 2025, health centers will no longer receive reimbursement for telehealth services provided to individuals on Medicare. If you have Medicare and have a telehealth visit scheduled with your local health center on or after October 1, 2025, contact them ahead of your visit to confirm the location. 

Will I still receive my mail? 

Yes, the U.S. Postal Service will remain operational.

I am a veteran, will my health care be impacted? How will other veterans’ services be impacted?

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 limited, including outreach, career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance. Regional VA offices, like the Bronx Vet Center, will close.

I am a member of the military.  How will the government shutdown affect me?

All active-duty military personnel will continue to carry out their assigned duties, but they will not receive pay until the government reopens and funds are appropriated.  Civilian personnel who are necessary to carry out expected activities will continue to work, but they will not be paid.  Any civilian personnel who are not considered essential will be furloughed. 

Will immigration applications still be processed?

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 officers, will still be conducting arrests.

Will I still receive student loans?

Pell Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, and federal aid will continue to be disbursed for now.

Do I still have to pay my student loans?

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. 

Information for Federal Employees

Who does and doesn’t get paid during a government shutdown?

Workers who are directly employed by an agency that has been shut down are either furloughed, meaning they will not get paid and cannot report to work, or must work without pay if they are considered essential to fulfilling ongoing government functions, like those required to maintain public safety. 

I am a federal employee. Will I receive back pay for furloughed days? 

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.

I’m a federal worker, contractor, or I’m employed at a federal building that will not be open. Can I file for unemployment benefits?

Yes. If the government shuts down, furloughed federal workers and contractors can apply for unemployment in New York. You can apply here for unemployment benefits.