Navigating a Federal Government Shutdown
Federal government funding for the upcoming year expired on September 30. My team and I have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that might be useful in navigating a federal shutdown.
My office will remain open during the shutdown to assist you. For any further questions or guidance, please contact my office at (202) 225-2415.
Why does the government shut down?
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that finance the operations of federal agencies and programs, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. If a new appropriations bill isn't enacted by this deadline, Congress needs to pass a temporary measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), which sustains the government's funding at its current level. In the absence of an approved appropriations bill or a CR, the government faces a shutdown due to lack of authorized funding.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
Federal agencies are required to classify their employees as either “excepted” or “not excepted” in the event of funding lapse. Employees classified as “excepted” work without pay during the shutdown. Employees classified as “not excepted” are put on unpaid furlough. Per the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion.
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 Medicaid and Medicare benefits be affected?
Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) and Medicare benefits will continue during a shutdown, and health care facilities will still accept Medicare and Medicaid patients.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will experience staffing shortages, which will affect the agency’s ability to process claims in a timely manner. You should expect delays in the processing and payment of Medicare claims.
Will military and federal retiree benefits or VA benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Veterans receiving benefits through the VA will still receive pension checks and disability benefits on time.
Will VA clinics and hospitals continue operating?
All Veteran Health Administration (VHA) agencies will remain open and functional during a government shutdown, so you will still be able to get your prescriptions filled and make appointments with medical providers the same way you did before the shutdown.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes, the United States Postal Service will continue to deliver mail through the shutdown and post offices will remain operational as normal.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty military personnel will continue to carry out their assigned duties, but will not receive pay until the government reopens and funding has been appropriated. Federal law enforcement and essential civilian personnel will continue to work without pay, but any civilian personnel who are not considered essential will be furloughed.
What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) stops processing new loans and approving routine small business loans during the shutdown while the agency’s employees are furloughed. Some disaster functions at the SBA will continue, but at a limited level.
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.
How will the shutdown affect travel plans?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials operating points of entry and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are deemed essential and will report to work. Ports of entry, including airports, will remain open, but travelers should expect longer wait times at TSA checkpoints.
What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
FEMA staff will respond to emergencies, but their funding source – the Disaster Relief Fund – is currently under extreme stress and in urgent need of additional funds. FEMA employees are not expected to be put on furlough, but limited funds may impact the agency’s ability to respond fully to an emergency.