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While I continue fighting for you in Washington, I want to make sure you have clear, reliable information and access to the best resources available. Below you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions. If you need additional help or have any concerns, my office remains open and ready to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to call my office or visit boyle.house.gov.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Yes. Recipients will continue to receive their checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will still provide limited services such as issuing Social Security cards and holding benefit application appointments. However, some activities—like benefit verifications and processing overpayments—will stop, and the public will likely face longer wait times for customer service.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
No. Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue receiving their benefits.
What is the impact on veterans’ services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational, and the VA will continue processing veterans’ benefits.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
No. Retirees will continue receiving their benefits, though processing of new applications or requested changes may be delayed.
Which federal employees keep working during a shutdown?
Federal agencies must classify employees as either “excepted” or “not excepted.”
- “Excepted” employees continue working without pay during the shutdown.
- “Not excepted” employees are placed on unpaid furlough.
Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid once the shutdown ends.
Despite having signed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, President Trump has moved to unconstitutionally fire thousands of federal workers during the shutdown.
Additional resources for federal employees can be found here.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
Active-duty service members, Guard and Reservists on active orders, and federal law enforcement officers continue working without pay until the shutdown concludes.
- On-base non-acute health care stops, but off-base care through Tricare continues.
- On-base child care remains open on a case-by-case basis.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
Will commercial air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents continue working, but they will not be paid until after the shutdown ends.
What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) stops processing most new business loans (such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs). However, the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program continues normal operations.
What is the impact on federal housing loans?
- The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) stops insuring some new mortgages.
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stops processing some new loans.
- The Department of Agriculture (USDA) halts new loan and loan guarantee activity.
- The VA continues guaranteeing home loans.
What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
FEMA continues responding to emergencies. However, in prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to 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—are delayed.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, my office remains open.
Please don’t hesitate to call my office or visit boyle.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Brendan F. Boyle
Member of Congress
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