Schumer Shutdown FAQs

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?

During a government shutdown, recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. This can lead to delays when trying to process claims. Additionally, customer service wait times have increased significantly during previous shutdowns. Social Security suspends many non-critical services in the event of a government shutdown, including benefit verification requests, earnings record corrections, third-party requests and overpayment processing.

What happens to my Medicare and Medicaid benefits?

Your Medicare or Medicaid coverage will not be immediately interrupted. However, a shutdown can cause administrative delays and longer call wait times for certain services. The Social Security Administration, which handles Medicare cards, does not issue replacement Medicare cards during a shutdown. Medicare beneficiaries can create or log into their Medicare account online to access and print their Medicare card.

What happens to my SNAP benefits?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue for a limited period. USDA contingency funds cover SNAP benefits for roughly one month of a shutdown, but a longer shutdown could mean that this funding runs out.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?

When there is a government shutdown, federal agencies are required to classify their employees as either "essential" or "non-essential." The employees classified as "essential" continue to work during the shutdown. However, the employees classified as "non-essential" are put on unpaid furlough. In Maryland, a large portion of the federal workforce would be furloughed, meaning that they would not be allowed to work and would only be paid after the shutdown ends.

What is the impact on veterans' services? 

During a government shutdown, all VA medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. However, VA call centers and hotlines cease to function, and Veterans Benefits Administration public contact services are not available.

In addition, the 2013 16-day shutdown stopped progress in reducing veterans' disability claims backlog, which had previously been progressing at a rate of almost 20,000 claims per week. Also, during the 2013 16-day shutdown, many veterans lost access to vocational rehabilitation and education counseling services.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel? 

All military personnel will continue their normal duty status without pay. Civilian personnel who are necessary to carry out expected activities will continue to work, but also will not be paid. Any civilian personnel that are not deemed essential will be furloughed. Additionally, elective surgeries for personnel will not be available during the shutdown. 

Will I still be able to visit the national parks and monuments?

National Parks usually remain open during a shutdown, but certain services are halted. Visitor centers will be closed, entrance fees won't be collected, educational programs will be canceled, and campsites won't be staffed. In many instances, restrooms will be closed and services like trash collection and road maintenance will be suspended. There are also limited emergency/rescue services.

Will air travel be affected?                                                                                         

Travelers could face longer lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays during a shutdown. Some TSA agents did not report for work during the 2018-2019 shutdown, and some air traffic controllers were also absent, causing delays at major airports. Additionally, passports will continue to be issued, but processing of applications may be delayed or halted in an extended shutdown or at certain locations.                            

What is the impact on small businesses?

A shutdown halts federal loans to small businesses. During a shutdown, the Small Business Administration stops approving applications for small businesses to obtain loans and loan guarantees. Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed over $2 billion in loans to small businesses.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?

During a shutdown, the Federal Housing Administration stops approving applications for housing loans.

What is the impact on food safety activities?

During a shutdown, the Food and Drug Administration is unable to support the majority of its food safety activities, along with many of its other safety inspections.

What is the impact on the Centers for Disease Control?

During a shutdown, CDC has to greatly curtail its activities that conduct flu and COVID-19 surveillance and monitoring, promote immunization, support state and local health departments, and update disease treatment and prevention recommendations.

How will this affect Citizenship and Immigration?                                                                                      

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices will remain open, however, with decreased staff, slowdowns, and processing delays are to be expected.

What is the process to end a government shutdown, and can the President unilaterally end it?

To end a government shutdown, Congress needs to pass, and the President must sign, legislation to fund the departments and agencies that have been shut down. The President does not have the power to end a shutdown unilaterally. The funding bills follow the same legislative process as any other bill, requiring approval from both the House and Senate before the President can sign them into law