Government Shutdown Guide
The deadline for Congress to pass a federal budget is September 30. Because of the President and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to engage in bipartisan negotiations, we are now in a government shutdown.
I’ll continue to work on solutions that will fund our government, keep our economy running, and our federal agencies equipped.
In the meantime—and to ensure that you have the most accurate information on this potential shutdown—my office has prepared the below list of FAQs. You can also call my Glenside office at 215-884-4300 or D.C. office at 202-225-4731.
FAQs
Disclaimer: Below is the most accurate guidance at this time. We will continue to update this page with the best information available. Please contact our office if you have further questions.
What is a government shutdown?
The federal government’s fiscal year ends every September 30. Before this deadline, Congress must write and pass the budget for the next fiscal year. If a budget agreement is not reached in time, funding for federal agencies lapse and the government shuts down.
Each government shutdown has looked different, but a backlog in assistance from federal agencies should be expected.
What is the process to end a government shutdown, and can the President end it??
Ending a government shutdown requires Congress to pass and for the President to sign appropriations bills to fund departments and agencies. These funding bills follow the same legislative process as any other bill, requiring approval from both the House and Senate before the President can sign them into law.
Are constituent services still available?
My offices in Glenside, Pottstown, and D.C. will still be fully operational, and my constituent services team will still be available for assistance with federal agencies. However, while many agencies will still be providing essential services, assistance such as response times and appointments will be greatly reduced.
Our district offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our D.C. office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Get contact information here.
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Request an appointment with a constituent services advisor here.
I have an issue with a government agency, can I still call them for help? Can you help me instead?
Due to the lapse in funding, many agencies have furloughed workers so their help desks may have little or no staffing. You are encouraged to contact any agency to learn if they are still able to assist you at this time.
You can also contact my office to open a case for you. We can contact an agency on your behalf and provide you with updates if they are open.
What is the impact on state and local services?
The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
A shutdown will not impact Social Security benefit payments.
SSI benefit payments will continue through the first quarter of FY 2026. Field offices and the national 1-800 number will be staffed and open. SSA will continue taking and processing benefit applications, issuing or replacing SSN cards, and responding to most customer problems. SSA will not be processing in-person or phone requests for “benefit verifications,” which are used by SSA beneficiaries needing proof of income. Benefit verifications can still be obtained online through an SSA.gov online account
Will the IRS be available for tax filings and tax refunds?
If you are filing your 2024 taxes with a valid extension, you are still required to file by October 15th. Refunds will not be processed except in cases where e-filed, error free refunds can be direct-deposited automatically.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to call the IRS to seek assistance with your taxes during the shutdown. Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the country will also be closed. If the shutdown continues into 2026, the IRS will reopen call centers when the filing season begins on January 1.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months.
The Medicare open enrollment period running from October 15 to December 7, 2025, will be unaffected, although communications from the agency may be stalled or outdated.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The Postal Service will continue to operate throughout the government shutdown.
What happens to veterans' services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics—including the Coatesville VA Medical Center and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia—will remain operational.
The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, other services, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and assistance for homeless veterans may be impacted.
What is the impact on food assistance?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need.
In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
What is the impact on housing?
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 stop new loan and loan guarantee activity.
The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.
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 essential and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.
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.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.
How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
How will this affect 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.
Will my student loans continue to be disbursed?
Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans can continue to be obligated and make disbursement during a shutdown, but only as long as carryover funds last.
However, department staff needed to carry out and support these functions will be significantly reduced. Free Applications for Student Aids (FAFSA), Pell Grant, and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing of federal student loans could continue for a “very limited time” under a shutdown.
If the shutdown continues for an extended period, school districts, colleges, and universities may begin to experience funding shortages due to lapsed federal funding.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped, including at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
However, closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.
If you are visiting Washington D.C.
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Many popular attractions may be affected. We encourage you to reach out to the office of the attraction you’re interested in visiting for more information.
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Capitol tours, White House Tours, and FBI Tours will not be offered. If you've booked a tour and wish to reschedule, please contact my office.
What does this mean for FEMA disaster relief?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS—which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer—will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country.
What does this mean for medical research?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
Agencies will determine "essential personnel" on a case-by-case basis. Those classified as such will still be required to work. In 2013, legislation was passed to ensure all federal workers receive back pay for the duration of a shutdown, once the government is re-opened. Some federal agencies may temporarily close, potentially affecting state and local agencies receiving federal funds.
Disclaimer: Below is the most accurate guidance at this time. We will continue to update this page with the best information available. Please contact our office if you have further questions.
