What You Need to Know About the Federal Government Shutdown

Funding for the federal government expired at midnight on October 1, 2025.

After months of making life harder and more expensive, Donald Trump and the Republicans have shut down the federal government because they do not want to protect the healthcare of the American people.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has provided some answers to questions you may have.

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 verification and processing overpayments. 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 US 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 child care is open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement is 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 US 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.

What is the impact on small businesses?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans. 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.

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 benefits depending on their employment status and state rules. If you believe you may be eligible, you should file a claim. You should promptly file a claim in the first week you are not working. If you are a NC resident, visit www.des.nc.gov/individuals/apply-ui for information on how to apply.

Please note: This FAQ is based on information from prior shutdowns and currently available information from agencies. The Trump administration has not been fully transparent with its shutdown plans and President Trump himself has made threats to manipulate a shutdown for political gain, change agency operations significantly and use civil servants as pawns by firing them en masse as he has been all year.