Funding for the federal government expired at midnight on October 1, 2025. As a result, many federal agencies have suspended non-essential operations, and some government services may be delayed or temporarily unavailable.
Essential functions—including military operations and the distribution of veteran and Social Security benefits—will continue without interruption.
How we got here:
- Republicans and Democrats were unable to reach an agreement on a government funding bill.
- Republicans proposed a short-term measure to continue funding at existing levels.
- Democrats proposed including additional funding for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Without this funding, ACA plan premiums are projected to nearly double next year, potentially leaving millions of Americans unable to afford coverage, and increasing health care costs for millions more.
- Democrats also proposed reversing nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts included in President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which analysts estimate could result in 7.5 million Americans losing health care.
- On Monday, September 29, President Trump met with Congressional leaders in the Oval Office to discuss government funding. No agreement was reached.
- Following the meeting, Trump posted an AI generated video on social media that appeared to indicate he was unwilling to negotiate with Democrats. The video mocked Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, while falsely portraying Democrats’ requests.
My office remains committed to keeping you informed and addressing your concerns during this period. While we await further details from federal agencies, below are answers to frequently asked questions based on currently available information.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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.
Will food stamps and WIC be affected?
According to the Department of Agriculture’s contingency plans, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue operating during the shutdown. Both programs are expected to remain funded at least through the month of October.
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 the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either “excepted” or “not excepted.” The employees classified as “excepted” work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as “not excepted” are put on unpaid furlough. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion. Donald Trump has threatened to needlessly fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care may cease, but off-base care provided through Tricare is not affected. On-base childcare is 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?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over. The Department of Transportation will stop air traffic controller hiring, field training of air traffic controllers, facility security inspections and law enforcement assistance support.
What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
What is the impact on federal housing loans?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also stop 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?
Some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed.
How will student loans be impacted?
The Department of Education will continue to disburse student aid, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans, during the shutdown. Borrowers will still be required to make their loan payments as scheduled.
Will National Parks remain open?
According to an Interior Department contingency plan released Tuesday evening, national parks will remain partially open during the government shutdown beginning Wednesday.
Open-air sites will remain accessible to the public; however, facilities that require staffing—such as visitor centers—will be closed. Basic health and safety needs at open sites will continue to be addressed, including maintaining restroom access and trash collection.
Will Smithsonian Museums remain open?
The Smithsonian Institution’s museums and the National Zoo will remain open to the public at least through October 6, using carryover funds from the previous fiscal yea