Federal Government Shutdown (Oct. 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

Many federal government agencies and programs rely on annual funding which is approved by Congress through legislation that the President must sign into law. The federal fiscal year is from October 1 to September 30 of the subsequent year. Passing a full-year federal spending bills by September 30 allow federal departments, agencies, and programs - as well as the people who interact with them - to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Sometimes, when Congress cannot come to an agreement on funding levels by the September 30 deadline, Congress will pass a short-term spending bill commonly known as a continuing resolution which typically continues spending at existing levels, possibly with some modifications.

If a deadline lapses with no funding bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, a "shutdown" will occur. In a shutdown, federal agencies must discontinue all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. Essential services continue to function, as do mandatory spending programs.

During a federal government shutdown, authorities will still enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and maintain our nation's defense; however, even a partial shutdown will have serious effects on our daily lives.

Traditionally, the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) website has provided general guidance, but individuals should review the Office of Management and Budget's Contingency Plan web page, which compiles agency guidance in the event of a federal government shutdown.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions you may have regarding the partial federal government shutdown.

Jump below for answers to some common questions about how federal departments and services, may be affected by a government shutdown.

What are some concerns unique to this shutdown?

Right now many members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, are concerned about the fallout of H.R. 1, the GOP budget reconciliation bill which was signed into law this July. The bill charted a path toward gutting America's healthcare, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the affordability of healthcare through the Affordable Care Act.

Because of H.R. 1, Americans are facing a healthcare cliff and the U.S. House Budget Committee reports estimates that:

15 million Americans stand to lose their health insurance, and
while others will see an average increase of $700 a year.

When combined with over $500 billion in cuts to Medicare and nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, communities across the country will not only see individuals lose health insurance, but also hospitals and nursing homes either cut services or close completely because - with fewer people able to pay for healthcare - these centers will lose the budget to operate and serve even those who do not rely on ACA health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

This will also put additional strain on emergency rooms.

People will have to travel farther to receive care adding even more costs to their less accessible care.

If Congress does not act now, Americans will likely start to see the increased cost for healthcare premiums and impact on their local healthcare centers before the end of 2025.

As of Sunday, September 29, President Trump and Congressional Republican Leaders refused to negotiate with Congressional Democrats and others concerned about these looming funding healthcare cliff and it is not addressed in the proposed continuing resolution to fund the federal government.

Congressional Democrats are also seeking reassurances that any agreement reached will stay in place, as the Trump Administration continues to illegally and unconstitutionally freeze funding agreed to in earlier appropriations bills, and as Congressional Republicans use procedural tricks to renege on previous agreements.

Finally, the Trump Administration has indicated that it may use the cover of a shutdown to enact large-scale reduction in forces, i.e. outright termination of federal workers, potentially jeopardizing the ability of the government to serve the public even after a funding bill is agreed upon by Congress and the President.

How could a federal government shutdown affect departments, agencies, and programs I use?

Funding for the federal government expires on September 30. I am working to keep critical services up and running for families in our community while lowering health care costs.

Please note that this information is based on previous shutdowns and subject to change by the Trump Administration which will dictate and make public, up-to-date agency shutdown or "lapse" plans.

What about U.S. Postal Services?

Post Offices will remain open, and mail delivery will continue.
The U.S. Postal Service is self-funded, and 500,000 employees will continue to deliver mail.

Will I receive my Social Security payments?

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.

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.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?

In previous shutdowns, all active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders were excepted and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care ceased, but off-base care provided through Tricare was not affected. On-base child care was 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.

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.

What is the impact on food safety activities?

In prior shutdowns, some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities—such as routine inspections of facilities —were delayed.

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 small businesses?

In prior shutdowns, the Small Business Administration (SBA) stopped processing new business loans, such as through the7(a) and 504programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program continued regular operations.

Will commercial air travel be affected?

In prior shutdowns, air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents remained on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over. What is the impact on small businesses?

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.

Will unemployment benefits continue during federal government shutdown?

Yes. Unemployment compensation is a federal-State program administered by State agencies. During a short-term, federal government shutdown, there should not be an interruption of benefits; however, there might be a delay in processing new applications. Individuals should check with your respective State agencies for information about specific concerns.

I am a federal employee. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

Possibly. Federal employees may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). States contribute to UFCE under the same terms and conditions as regular state unemployment compensation. Please contact state agencies regarding your eligibility for UCFE.