During a shutdown, tasks considered ‘essential’ will still be carried out. But which operations come to a halt, and how does it affect public services?
Congress has until September 30 to pass a stopgap bill to fund the government. Failure to do so means the government will go into shutdown on Wednesday.
The White House and Republicans are currently locked in a standoff with Democrats over a stopgap bill that would fund the government through Nov. 21. Democrats have demanded several health care measures to be included in the legislation, including the extension of certain Affordable Care Act subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year. The Trump administration and Republican leadership have rejected those demands.
The short-term funding bill passed the House on Sept. 19 and is currently before the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to advance.
Here’s what to know about what a government shutdown could mean for you.
What Happens in a Government Shutdown?
During a shutdown, tasks considered “essential” will still be carried out, but “nonessential” federal workers will be sent home without pay. Congress passed a law in 2019 that guarantees back pay after a shutdown is resolved, but if the funding struggle drags on for weeks, it may put a strain on government workers’ pocketbooks.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) typically posts shutdown contingency plans for all agencies on its website, but has not updated them for this year as of press time.
Social Security
Social Security checks will still be mailed, but verification of benefits will be halted, and new Social Security cards will not be issued. link
US Postal Service
The mail will continue to run during the shutdown, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
SNAP and WIC Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—better known as food stamps—will continue to provide cash for food. However, some programs may experience hiccups if personnel responsible for distributing those funds, or operating systems for the program, are sent home.
Other programs serving low-income families, such as the Head Start program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, may also be impacted. link
The IRS
It isn’t quite clear what the Internal Revenue Service plans to do about the shutdown this year. In past years it has slowed down some activities because many of its workers were sent home, but it resumed once the shutdown was over. So pay your taxes, just in case.
Travel
Transportation Security Administration workers are considered essential and will continue to work, but their pay will be withheld until the shutdown is over. Overseas travelers should be aware that obtaining a passport or visa may become more challenging, as processing times are likely to be delayed.
Museums and Parks
Tourist destinations, such as the Smithsonian Museum or the Washington Monument, will not operate during a shutdown. The National Park Service estimates that a shutdown in 2013 resulted in a revenue loss of more than $500 million. Link
The Federal Court System
Federal courts may not stay on track for long; their funding is estimated to last until Oct. 3, according to a memo issued by Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts Robert Conrad.
The courts were able to stay open longer during previous shutdowns, he wrote, but are now hampered by recent budget cuts. He said a more precise assessment would come after the shutdown.
Small Businesses
The Small Business Administration will cease accepting loan applications and will not review those already on file.
The Military
Service members will still work, but without pay until the shutdown is resolved. Moreover, some civilian contractors deemed nonessential may be laid off until more funds are appropriated.
Veterans will still receive benefits and have their appeals claims processed, but some services may be affected as regional offices will close.
Federal Furloughs and Job Losses
Shutdowns have happened before; the Partnership for Public Service estimates that around 848,000 may be furloughed, or temporarily sent home, and another 700,000 may work without pay while lawmakers and the White House work out the spending details.
Summary
Those numbers are based on 2023 department figures and may vary slightly because of this year’s Department of Government Efficiency job cuts.
But there is another wrinkle this time. The White House budget office has instructed federal agencies to prepare for potential workforce cuts in the event of a shutdown.
This means some federal workers could lose their jobs permanently if an agreement is not reached.
