Government Shutdown FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the Government Shutdown
Will I still receive my Social Security checks?
Yes. Social Security benefits are mandatory and will continue regardless of a shutdown. However, the Social Security Administration could face furloughs, meaning fewer workers are available to process new applications or provide in-person services. That could lead to delays in things like benefit verifications or replacement Medicare cards.
I’m a veteran. How will this impact me?
VA health care and benefits like pensions, housing, and education payments will continue. However, some services such as career counseling, transition assistance, and maintenance at national cemeteries could be limited. Regional VA offices may close.
What about food assistance like SNAP or WIC?
SNAP benefits will continue through October, even during a shutdown. If the shutdown drags on past 30 days, there could be disruptions in payments. WIC benefits should continue during a short shutdown, but if it goes longer than a week, those benefits could be affected.
Will I still be able to use Medicaid or Medicare?
Yes. Your Medicaid and Medicare benefits will continue as usual. But with reduced staffing at the Department of Health and Human Services, you could see delays in some services or approvals.
What happens to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)?
HHS expects to furlough more than 30,000 workers. Essential activities like responding to public health emergencies, CDC disease tracking, and FDA food safety inspections will continue. But new NIH research grants and some university contracts will freeze, new patients won’t be admitted to NIH hospitals unless it’s life-saving, and services like FOIA requests won’t be processed.
Will I still get my mail?
Yes. The Postal Service is self-funded and will keep running as normal.
What about immigration services?
Most visa and passport services will continue, but processing may be slower due to furloughed staff. Immigration enforcement, including ICE arrests, will continue.
Do I still need to pay my student loans?
Yes. Student loan borrowers are still required to make payments, and federal student aid staff will keep working.
I’m a federal employee. What happens to me if I’m furloughed?
If you’re furloughed, you will receive back pay once the government reopens—this is guaranteed by law. Health insurance and most benefits will continue during the shutdown, though some adjustments may need to wait until pay is restored.
I’m a contractor or work in a federal building. Can I apply for unemployment if I’m not working?
Yes. Furloughed federal workers and contractors can apply for unemployment benefits in Minnesota if they are not being paid during the shutdown.
Even during this shutdown, my office will remain open to serve you. My team and I are here to help you navigate this moment and to make sure you have clear, reliable information about what a shutdown means for you and your family.
You can submit casework requests https://omar.house.gov/
Call my DC office at (202) 225-4755 or my Minneapolis office at (612) 333-1272.
I appreciate your patience as we work with a reduced federal workforce, and I will do my best to keep you updated every step of the way. Together, we will get through this, and together, Democrats in Congress will do everything we can to keep building a government that puts working families over billionaires and corporations.