Government Shutdown Resources
What A Government Shutdown Means For You
Funding for the federal government expired on September 30, 2025. To help you stay informed during this federal government shutdown, my office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. It is important to know that, in the past, agencies and others may have operated differently. We will update this webpage as we receive new information. You can also contact my office at (330) 400-5350.
How has the government shutdown impacted you?
Tell us how your organization will be impacted by a government shutdown.
Help With A Federal Agency
I need help with a federal agency. What should I do?
Complete a Privacy Release Form at the following link: Help With A Federal Agency
I recently contacted your office and opened a case with a federal agency. What should I expect?
Things will vary from agency to agency. Some agencies will process cases, while others will not. Generally speaking, you should expect delays. You can contact our office for details about your case.
Food Assistance and Safety
What is the impact on food assistance programs?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
While October benefits were funded in September using Fiscal Year 2025 funds and not impacted by the ongoing government shutdown, November SNAP benefits are at risk. On Friday, October 24, 2025, USDA issued a memo to states announcing that it would be suspending November SNAP benefits until further notice. SNAP receives $3 billion per year in reserve, or contingency, funding with carryover authority for up to three years. It is estimated that $5 billion is still available in SNAP’s contingency fund, which is insufficient to pay for a full month’s worth of SNAP benefits. But, the administration also has statutory transfer authority that could and should be utilized to provide the remaining funding needed to cover full November SNAP benefits.
On October 31st, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to use these contingency funds and other available funding to fund November benefits. The Trump administration has stated that they plan to release the SNAP contingency funding to support reduced benefits for November, and that they will not be using other sources of funding available to them. Moreover, the administration claims that releasing this funding could take weeks or even months, in part due to these benefits being only partial. Ohioans cannot afford any cuts or delays, and Rep. Sykes calls on the Trump administration to release all available funding immediately so Ohioans can put food on the table.
What is the local impact of SNAP running dry?
Without quick action from the administration, 42 million low-income Americans, about one in eight people in the U.S., will be without the food assistance they need to put food on the table until the government reopens. In Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, SNAP put food on the table for nearly 115,000 Ohioans in September 2025, saving them a combined $20 million per month. Federal SNAP funding is expected to run out on November 1, leaving households uncertain whether they can afford groceries.
How can I get help if I rely on SNAP?
Those who will be impacted by the cut off of SNAP funding should call 2-1-1 for local resources. Additionally, Summit County residents can visit 211Summit.org, Stark County residents can visit uwstark.org, and Portage County residents can visit 211Portage.org. The Departments of Jobs and Family Services for Summit and Stark Counties encourage families to stay up-to-date with any paperwork or reporting requirements, so can begin to get benefits again as soon as funds for SNAP are available.
How is Rep. Sykes fighting for a fix?
Rep. Sykes introduced the Feed Our Families Act earlier this year. The bill would appropriate funds to ensure families who rely on SNAP can continue to access their benefits up to three months after a shutdown occurs.
The Trump Administration has access to more than $5 billion in authorized and appropriated contingency funding for SNAP, yet they are choosing not to release this funding in an unprecedented and unfounded move, denying Ohio families millions in much needed food assistance. Food is not a political pawn, that’s why Rep. Sykes joined her colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release this funding, which would partially fund November benefits.
Rep. Sykes also joined her Ohio Democratic delegation colleagues in writing to Governor Mike DeWine regarding his administration’s plans for SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), emphasizing how important these benefits are to constituents.
Governor Mike DeWine recently announced $25 million in state food assistance, including $7 million for regional food banks and $18 million in emergency relief for more than 63,000 low-income Ohioans. While this support is welcome, it represents only a fraction of the need. Sustained federal action is essential to ensure that Ohio families continue to receive full SNAP benefits.
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.
The Republican Health Care Crisis
Do you want to learn more about how the Republican Health Care Crisis is impacting you and our community? Click the link below for more information in English, Arabic, Dezongkha, Nepali, and Spanish.
The Republican Health Care Crisis: Higher Costs, Less Coverage
Federal Employees
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough.
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.The Office of Personnel Management's website also provides general guidance.
The Trump administration has announced that there could be mass layoffs of federal employees in the event of a government shutdown. Who will be laid off and how will federal employees be notified?
Agencies will determine which employees will continue to work through a shutdown.
The Trump administration issued thousands of layoff notices earlier this month to employees across the federal government, including at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Energy, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, a federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily halted this action in response to a lawsuit from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).We are awaiting additional information from agencies about their staffing plans and will update the website once that information is made available.
I am a government contractor. What should I expect?
Government facilities will be closed. No new contracts or modifications will be issued, and there will be delays in the acquisition process for procurements.
Social Security
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks.
I lost my Social Security card. Can I request a replacement card?
Yes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue to issue original and replacement Social Security cards in the event of a government shutdown, but you should expect delays because of decreased staff capacity.
I have a hearing scheduled. Will that still occur?
Yes. The SSA plans on continuing hearings and deciding cases as scheduled.
I submitted an application. Will that be processed?
Yes. SSA plans on processing applications for benefits, including appointments, corrections, requests for appeals, and post-entitlement actions. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments.
How is Rep. Sykes fighting to reduce wait times and ensure timely responses from SSA?
Rep. Sykes introduced the bipartisan Guaranteed Uninterrupted Access to Retiree Disbursements (GUARD) Act to provide Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations funding for the SSA and requires the agency to continue responding to Congressional casework inquiries during any lapse in federal funding. The measure will prevent the furlough of more than 6,000 Social Security Administration employees and ensure that seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families continue receiving timely help with their Social Security benefits. Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Americans, and its services should never be held hostage to partisan gridlock
Medicare and Medicaid
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.
I am on Medicare. Will I still be able to see my doctor?
Medicare benefits will continue during a government shutdown and health care facilities will still accept Medicare patients.
I am on Medicaid. Will I still be able to see my doctor?
Medicaid benefits will continue during a government shutdown and health care facilities will still accept Medicaid patients.
Will I be able to file a Medicare claim?
During the 2019 shutdown, there was no disruption in the processing and payment of Medicare claims. This section will be updated as more information is made available.
Will Federally Qualified Health Centers continue operating?
Day-to-day operations will depend on the clinic’s individual funding and you should contact your preferred health center for further guidance.
Servicemembers And Veterans
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 excepted 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.
October 15 paychecks for active duty military were covered by the Department of Defense by a temporary measure. The status of future paychecks for servicemembers during the shutdown is unclear. I’ve introduced the bipartisan Pay Our Military Act, which would provide appropriations for pay and support for all members of the Armed Forces, civilian personnel at the Department of Defense, members of the Coast Guard, necessary contractors, and reservists during a government shutdown, ensuring no servicemember would be forced to work without pay. This legislation is currently pending in the House of Representatives.
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 VA clinics and hospitals continue operating?
Yes. You will still be able to get your prescriptions filled and make appointments with medical providers in the same way you did before the shutdown. All Veteran Health Administration (VHA) agencies will remain open and functional during a government shutdown.
I am a veteran. Will I receive my pension on time?
Yes. You will still receive your pension checks on time.
I am a disabled veteran. Will I receive my benefits on time?
Yes. You will receive your disability benefits on time.
I am a veteran student who receives benefits under the GI Bill or the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. Will I continue to receive payments on time?
Yes. You will receive your GI Bill benefits on time. If you are under the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, you will receive your payments on time, as well.
Passports and Travel
I have an upcoming international trip and need to request or renew a passport. What should I expect?
Passport agencies will remain fully operational. Passport applications will be processed and emergency passport appointments will be honored.
I am a United States' citizen living abroad. Will the local United States embassy be open?
Yes. During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, United States embassies remained open to some degree, but U.S. citizens living abroad should prepare for delays in any application or processing requests as staff furloughs may occur.
Please note, hours of operations and service impacts may vary at each facility. You can check which embassies and consulates may be impacted here.
I have flights booked for an upcoming trip. How will this affect my travel?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials operating ports of entry are considered essential workers and will report to work without pay. Ports of entry–including airports–will remain open, and inspection of noncitizens seeking to enter the U.S. will continue. In prior shutdowns, there have been some delays and long wait times at TSA checkpoints.
Can I apply for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Pre-Check and Global Entry?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, TSA PreCheck applications were accepted. Global Entry appointments for enrollment, however, were canceled.
Immigration
If I have an interview or appointment with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), should I attend?
Yes. During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, biometrics appointments and interviews continued to be scheduled and conducted.
I have a pending application with USCIS. Will it continue to be processed?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, USCIS continued to operate as usual, including accepting and adjudicating immigration-related applications and petitions. At this time, it is our understanding that a potential shutdown would most likely be handled similarly.
I am a business owner and am hiring new employees. Can I use E-Verify to verify a new hire’s eligibility to work?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, E-Verify services were suspended.
Disaster Relief
Will the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) be operating if there is a natural disaster?
During prior shutdowns, most of FEMA's workforce was able to be dispatched to emergencies, but their funding source–the Disaster Relief Fund–is currently under extreme stress and in urgent need of additional funds. Employees at FEMA are not expected to be put on furlough; however, limited funds may impact FEMA’s ability to respond fully to an emergency. FEMA is currently limiting rebuilding projects in order to preserve funds for life-saving emergency response.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop civil enforcement inspections, which includes inspections of 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 unless a failure in operations would pose an imminent threat to human life. The EPA will continue to provide emergency and disaster assistance and conduct law enforcement and criminal investigations.
Housing
I am in the middle of buying a house. Will my Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured loan still close?
FHA will have limited staff during a shutdown and the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more serious the impact will be. All FHA underwriting and processing requirements would remain in force during the government shutdown and no loan may be endorsed that does not fulfill those requirements.
A shutdown may delay the processing or closing of your FHA-insured loan. Please contact your lender for the exact status of your FHA loan.
I am facing foreclosure on an FHA-backed loan. Does the clock stop?
No. Most loss mitigation for homeowners facing foreclosure (including FHA loan modifications, FHA-HAMP, etc.) will continue.
I have an ongoing contract with HUD that has been funded. Can I continue to work on the contract?
It depends. Only contracting officers may instruct vendors regarding changes to the contract terms and conditions during a government shutdown. For more information, please see the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Contingency Plan here.
How will this impact Housing Choice Vouchers?
Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.
Small Businesses
Can I apply for a small business loan?
If the government shuts down, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) typically stops processing new loans and approving routine small-business loans. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
I am waiting on a small business loan. What should I expect?
Processing for most SBA lending programs will be on hold while the agency's employees are furloughed. All Houston SBA employees will be furloughed. Some disaster functions at SBA will continue, but at a limited level.
Postal Service
Will my mail still arrive?
In the event of a government shutdown, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will continue to deliver the mail.
Will post offices continue operating?
USPS operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all post offices will continue to operate as usual.
National Parks
Will national parks, monuments, and museums be open?
Most open-air national parks and other sites remain open through the government shutdown. Non-essential park staff are furloughed, and public services are limited. All public-facing park facilities are closed for the duration of the shutdown.At this time, most restrooms are open, but trash collection and cleaning services may be limited due to furloughed staff and extremely limited resources. Trails and most parking lots are accessible during the shutdown, but trails will not be maintained or cleared. The park is no longer able to communicate with the public on trail conditions, weather alerts, and other hazards. Park maintenance has mostly ceased, including mowing, trail safety and maintenance, and leaf pick-up. The parks' volunteer programs are suspended, cutting off thousands of hours of community support and pausing important conservation work. All National Parks Service programs and special events are postponed or cancelled for the duration of the shutdown.
In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed for the remainder of the government shutdown. Open-air national parks such as the National Mall and its memorials and monuments will remain open, but with limited access. Staffed services at these locations will be unavailable.
Internal Revenue Service
I requested an extension to file my taxes. What should I expect?
The current government shutdown does not affect the tax filing and payment responsibilities of taxpayers. If you requested and were granted a federal tax extension, the deadline to file your tax return was set for October 15.
Are there any exceptions?
The IRS granted extensions for taxpayers affected by terroristic action in the State of Israel throughout 2024 and 2025, generally postponing deadlines until Sept. 30, 2026.
Several states where federal disaster declarations were issued were granted an extension, and a complete list of those states and the postponed deadlines is available on Tax relief in disaster situations.
Grants
Will I be able to use grants.gov to search for and apply for grants on behalf of my organization?
Grants.gov will remain operational and continue to provide limited help desk and administrative assistance to applicants; however, response times may be delayed.
Will applications submitted through grants.gov be processed and reviewed throughout the shutdown?
This varies between the 26 different grant-making agencies and offices. Please contact your agency or office of interest for further guidance or click here for federal agency guidance.
Will funding awards be announced during the shutdown?
Agencies that are closed during the shutdown will not announce awards.
Students
I have a federally issued student loan. How will this impact payments and administration of student loans?
The Department of Education will continue to issue loans and process Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. If you have federal student loans, you should continue to make your payments on time.
Medical Research
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.