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What Happens in a Government Shutdown?

When Congress fails to pass bills to fund the government, federal agencies must stop all non-essential functions until Congress acts. This is known as a government shutdown.

What Services are Impacted?

Please note this information is subject to change. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TO STAY INFORMED.

DISCLAIMER: The following information is accurate if a shutdown were to occur, as of December 20th, 2024, we will do our best to consistently update this page. Unfortunately, due to the dynamic nature of a government shutdown, it is difficult to provide live information about the current operations of various agencies. Please contact our office for assistance, or reach out to the federal agency you need assistance from to get the most up to date information on federal operations. 

What does this mean for you?

  • Regardless of a government shutdown, our office will remain open to assist you.
  • If you have a comment or would like to share how this shutdown is impacting you, please call our D.C. office, 9am-5pmET, Mon-Fri, at 202-225-8220, or our Long Beach Office, 9am-5pmPT, Mon-Fri, at 310-831-1799.
  • Not in CA-44?: Find your Representative on House.gov
  • Our office will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, in observance of the holiday. We hope you have a beautiful holiday season with your loved ones. Remember, on a weekend or holiday you can always submit your case online and we will assist you once we’re back in the office!

Social Security:

  • Checks are still delivered during a shutdown, but benefit verification and new card issuance would be put on hold.
  • Federal Agencies responsible for administering social security programs may experience disruptions in their operations. This can lead to delays in processing benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

IRS:

  • As a result of the funds provided in the Inflation Reduction Act, regular IRS operations are likely to continue.

Student Loans:

  • Basic operations such as the disbursement of Pell Grants and federal student loans would likely continue for a very limited time, and then be disrupted or halted the longer a shutdown goes.

Veteran’s Benefits:

  • Medical facilities and clinics at all VA medical centers will remain operational.
  • The Veteran’s Administration will not be able to process claims such as disability, education, and employment benefits.
  • Call centers and hotlines will not operate.

Medicare and Medicaid:

  • Claims will still be processed for existing beneficiaries.
  • Benefit verification and new card issuance will stop.

Air Travel:

  • Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents will be furloughed, which means they will be working without pay. This will strain operations and create delays and disruption to air travel across the country.

Food Stamps/SNAP:

  • The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will not issue payments.
  • Although funding for the SNAP (food stamps) program is mandatory (meaning it will continue to operate) the ability to send out “food stamp” benefits would likely expire after 30 days.

Small Business Loans:

  • The government stops processing new loans and approving small business loans.

Federal Grants and Business Opportunities:

  • You are encouraged to always submit your grant application ahead of the deadline.
  • The Grants.gov website is operational, however, there may be limited staff to provide assistance depending on the agency.
  • The Grants.gov Contact Center phone number is 1-800-518-GRANTS, and email Support@Grants.gov.

Military Personnel:

  • Active-duty military personnel will not be affected and will continue their duties as usual.
  • Civilian employees and training operations may experience disruptions.

Food Safety Inspections:

  • The FDA pauses routine inspections of food and medical facilities.

U.S. Postal Service:

  • The Postal Service will continue to operate normally.

Immigration:

  • US Citizenship and Immigration Services is mainly funded by fees and will continue to operate normally.
  • If the Department of Labor suspends operations, they cannot process Labor Condition Applications. This means that H-1B, H-B1, and E-3 petitions cannot be filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • All immigration courts that exclusively process and adjudicate cases for immigrants not in detention will be closed.
  • Detained immigrants will continue to have their cases processed.

National Parks:

  • All National Parks will close, unless the state where they are located provides state funds to keep the Park open.
  • No new permits will be issued for any park activities.

Visiting Washington D.C.

  • Some popular attractions may be affected. We encourage you to reach out to the office of the attraction you’re interested in visiting for more information.
  • Capitol tours will not be offered. If you’ve booked a tour through our office and wish to reschedule, please contact us at 202-225-8220.