What a Government Shutdown Means for You

To our NY-14 community,

We hope you are all in good spirits and we are glad you are here. Every year, Congress has to pass 12 bills that fund federal government agencies that provide everyday services to the American people before the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2025. They can also pass a budget extension known as a continuing resolution, or CR, to keep the government open. If Congress does not pass either all the bills or a CR, the federal government runs out of money and the government enters a shutdown. This year, because conservatives failed to ensure all of the 12 bills became law and refused to agree to a CR, it is now likely there will be a shutdown.

If this manufactured government shutdown goes into effect, we want to discuss what that may look like for you and your families. Below are some frequently asked questions about a shutdown and you can also navigate to our website for more information.

***In the event of a government shutdown, our district offices will still be available to help NY-14 constituents and connect them with resources. Because of the furlough of federal workers at different agencies, casework inquiries may be delayed during a shutdown.***

Frequently Asked Questions ⬇️

Impact on Government Benefits and Services

Will I continue to receive my Social Security checks?

Yes. You will continue to receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks. However, some Social Security services are likely to be affected, including benefit verifications and the issuance of Medicare replacement cards. There may also be reduced hours at field offices.

I am on food assistance. Will my programs be affected?

Not immediately. Individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue to receive their October 2025 payments, even if there is a shutdown. If the shutdown lasts longer than 30 days, SNAP benefits could be delayed or interrupted entirely.

Benefits through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also should not be impacted if there is a short shutdown. However, if the shutdown lasts longer than a week, WIC benefits could be impacted.

Will I still be able to use my Medicaid and Medicare?

Yes. Medicare and Medicaid will not be impacted and benefits will continue as usual.

Will I still receive my mail?

Yes, the U.S. Postal Service will remain operational.

I am a veteran, will my health care be impacted? How will other veterans’ services be impacted?

No, veterans’ health care will not be impacted by a shutdown. Benefits such as pension, education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed and delivered.

Access to some Veterans’ Affairs (VA) resources will be restricted, including outreach, career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance. Regional VA offices, like the Bronx Vet Center, will close.

Will immigration applications still be processed?

Visa and passport operations are not normally impacted during a shutdown. Some immigration cases may be delayed.

Please note that law enforcement, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, will still be conducting arrests.

Do I still have to pay my student loans?

Yes, student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt. Federal student aid employees will still be working during a government shutdown.

Information for Federal Employees

I am a federal employee. Will I receive back pay for furloughed days?

Yes. After the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which requires retroactive pay for furloughed employees following the end of a government shutdown. Generally, benefits such as health insurance continue during a shutdown furlough; however, federal employees may need to wait until they are returned to pay status before they can adjust their benefits.

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 in New York. You can apply here for unemployment benefits.

In service,

The Office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez