Information to Help you Navigate a House-GOP Led Government Shutdown
Federal government funding will lapse on September 30th. As I work to help keep the government open and maintain critical services, I hope this information will help you better understand how a House GOP-led government shutdown could impact you and your family. This page will be updated regularly as needed.
If I sought help with a federal agency through Rep. Moore’s office, would my casework be impacted?
My staff in D.C and Milwaukee will continue working during a government shutdown. Keep in mind though, that many federal agencies will likely be affected with furloughs and suspended services, which will likely delay resolving your casework issue.
Can I still receive tours through Rep. Gwen Moore’s office?
In the event of a government shutdown, all tours that have been previously scheduled through our office will be canceled. Unfortunately, our office will be unable to schedule any future tours until the government reopens.
Will a government shutdown affect when I receive my Social Security?
No. Social Security is funded using mandatory spending that is not subject to the government appropriations process. Its funding is not impacted by a government shutdown. SSA will continue scheduling hearings, hearing/deciding cases, and hearing/deciding appeals. However, certain Social Security Administration’s (SSA) employees will be furloughed, meaning that customer service will be impacted.
Will there be impacts to Medicare or Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid are deemed mandatory programs and benefits will not be disrupted by a government shutdown.
However, many federal workers at the agencies that oversee Medicare and Medicaid would be furloughed. This could lead to longer wait times to speak with a CMS representative during a shutdown.
Will my VA benefits be affected?
Veterans will continue to receive their benefits, including pensions, health care, compensation, education and housing support. The Board would be able to process appeals but the VA will be unable to conduct outreach to vets. All public-facing regional offices would be closed and resources including career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance would be paused.
SERVICES TO VETERANS NOT IMPACTED:
- VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
- Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries.
- Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
- The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
- VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.
SERVICES TO VETERANS IMPACTED:
- VA will not provide veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
- VA education benefits contact center (GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-GIBILL-1 or 1-888-442-4551) will be closed.
- VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
- Public affairs and outreach to Veterans will cease.
- No grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries.
- Applications for pre-need burial at VA cemeteries will not be processed.
- No printing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates.
- No outreach to state, county, tribal, municipal, faith-based, and community-based partners by VA Central Office.
Would a government shutdown impact my WIC benefits?
According to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, millions of women and children could see their WIC benefits cut, depleting contingency funds which would leave states with very limited funding to operate.
Will my SNAP benefits be cut?
The vast majority of participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program program will see an immediate reduction in benefits during the shutdown. Recipients will continue to receive assistance as normal for the month of December, but could be effected if the shutdown goes further.
Will I still have access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), including cash assistance?
Because TANF is funded by the government but distributed by state agencies, this will depend on your state policy. During a government shutdown, it is likely that the federal government will need to halt its quarterly TANF payments to states, but state governments will have the option to continue providing benefits and services without interruption.
Will the U.S. Postal Service continue delivering mail?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is funded through profits from their services and products – not taxpayer funds. Therefore, the Post Service will continue their operations through a government shutdown.
How would a government shutdown impact student loan programs and repayments?
Key activities at Federal Student Aid will continue for a few weeks, but a prolonged shutdown could disrupt the agency’s ability to assist borrowers.
A shutdown could also delay the process for students applying to the FAFSA and seeking financial aid.
Can I visit national parks during a government shutdown?
In the event of a government shutdown, National Park Service (NPS) sites will be closed, which includes most national parks.
Can I visit a Smithsonian Museum during a government shutdown?
The Smithsonian Institute will use existing funds to remain open as long as funding allows.
Will the Small Business Administration (SBA) impact loan approvals and reviews during a government shutdown?
The Small Business Administration will not approve or review any new business loans during a government shutdown.
Will military service members be impacted?
During a government shutdown, military service members will be forced to work without pay. They will receive retroactive pay once the government reopens.
What happens to government employees during a government shutdown?
Government employees will either be furloughed and not come into work or deemed “essential” and continue working without pay. Their designation depends on their duties and responsibilities. Due to a 2019 law, both furloughed and “essential” workers will receive backpay once the shutdown is over.
Will passport services be affected?
Consular operations domestic and overseas will continue as long as the funds are sufficient, including passports, visas, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad, but you can expect delays in services.
