When the federal government shuts down, it can sound scary. Headlines about “nonessential services” or “furloughs” make it hard to know what actually changes for your day-to-day life. The truth is: some things pause, some slow down, and many essential services continue.
Here’s what to know — and how to stay steady as this happens.
How can a shutdown impact your finances?
Benefits and assistance
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments will continue without interruption.
Food assistance programs are at risk. SNAP benefits are pre-funded, so October payments should arrive as usual. If the shutdown continues into November, funding may run out, and benefits could be delayed or paused. The WIC program may run out of money even sooner.
Keep an eye on official updates from your state or local agency. And if you need help covering food costs, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for local food banks and emergency assistance.
Education and everyday services
Public schools remain open. However, Head Start programs could run out of funds quickly. If your child attends one, contact your local site for updates.
Your mail will still arrive. The U.S. Postal Service runs on its own funding, so postal workers will keep delivering letters and packages.
Federal employee pay
The situation is complicated for federal employees: agencies must classify workers as exempt (not affected), excepted (required to work without pay), or furloughed (sent home without pay), and these designations can shift as agencies reassess operations.
Some departments, such as the EPA and IRS, initially rely on leftover funds from the previous fiscal year to stay open, but will fully shut down once those funds are gone.
While military pay has been temporarily secured through redirected funds, many civilian and contract workers are already missing income.
If you or someone you know is impacted by the shutdown, check out our article Resources for federal workers
Prepare your finances: 6 things you can do now
- Check the status of your benefits. Don’t assume everything continues unchanged. Look at your state’s information for SNAP, WIC or other aid.
- Prioritize essential bills. Rent/mortgage, utilities, food.
- Coordinate with creditors and service providers. If you anticipate delays, customer service may be able to work out an accommodation.
- Build a short-term buffer if possible. Even a modest cushion (e.g., one week of essential expenses) can reduce stress if timing shifts.
- Use local community resources. If a benefit is delayed, local food banks, utility-assistance funds, and nonprofit networks may help.
- Stay informed. Since shutdowns are driven by political decisions, the landscape may shift quickly.
Other impacts of a government shutdown
- Most national parks and federal museums will close during a shutdown, though some outdoor areas like trails and open-air memorials may stay accessible. Just know that there won’t be staff around to maintain bathrooms or trash pickup.
- Air travel will continue, but expect more delays and longer lines.
- Passport applications will still be processed, but expect slower service if the shutdown lasts.
- Federal courts will stay open.
- Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue operating, though processing times may slow.
- The FDA will pause most domestic food safety inspections.
- The CDC will scale back monitoring for diseases like flu and COVID-19.
