FAQs On Federal Agencies During a Government Shutdown
***While my offices will remain available to assist, responses from most agencies will be delayed until the federal government reopens***
U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
USPS is not affected by a government shutdown. USPS is an independent entity that is funded through the sale of its products and services, and not by tax dollars.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Social Security payments will be continue as normal.
However, about 15% of the SSA’s staff would be furloughed, which could mean the delay or suspension of benefit verifications, replacement of Medicare cards, and determinations on disability claims.
Department of Defense
- Military personnel on active duty, including reserve component personnel on Federal active duty, will continue to report for duty and carry out assigned duties. All military personnel will not be paid until new funds are appropriated.
- Civilian personnel, including military technicians, who are not necessary to carry out or support excepted activities, are to be furloughed with a lapse in appropriations.
Department of State
All U.S. embassies and consulates abroad will be operational for national security reasons.
Operations domestically and abroad will remain 100% operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations, delays may occur. This includes passports, visas, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad. However, passport acceptance locations located in some government building may be unavailable during a government shutdown.
Department of Homeland Security
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations will continue as normal.
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
Fee-funded agency, operation will continue.
Federal Emergency Assistance Agency (FEMA)
Disaster payments will cease.
Department of Treasury
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Services that will continue:
- Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, SCORE and Veteran Business Outreach Centers continue to provide training and counseling services to small businesses.
Services that will be suspended:
- No new SBA loans will be issued during a government shutdown.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Offices may be closed across the country. No staff will be available to assist during the shutdown. During previous shutdowns, the IRS stopped audits and Taxpayer Assistance Programs.
Department of Labor
Department of Education
Services that will continue:
- Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans will make obligations and payments during a shutdown.
- During a shutdown, payments are any student loans should be paid on time.
Services that will be suspended:
Office for Civil Rights will pause its review and investigations.
Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Program will continue during a lapse in appropriations.