Government Shutdown FAQ

Office of Rep. John Mannion

If the government shuts down, my office will remain open to assist constituents both in DC and NY-22. I have provided the answers to some frequently asked questions below to help you stay informed. If you have additional questions or concerns, you can contact my DC office at (202) 225-3701, my Syracuse office at (315) 233-4333, or my Utica office at (315) 732-0713. Please note that this FAQ is based on information from prior shutdowns and could be subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What causes a government shutdown?

The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that finance the operations of federal agencies and programs. These appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. If a new appropriations bill isn't enacted by this deadline, Congress needs to pass a temporary measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), which sustains the government's funding at its current level. For instance, a CR passed this year would maintain funding at Fiscal Year 2025 levels. In the absence of an approved appropriations bill or a CR, the government faces a shutdown due to lack of authorized funding.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security?

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. The public will likely experience increased customer service wait times.

Will my Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?

Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits. The public may experience increased wait times due to employees being furloughed.

What will happen to my veteran services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?

In previous shutdowns, all active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders were excepted and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care ceased, but off-base care provided through Tricare was not affected. On-base child carewasopen on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement was also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

Will my mail still arrive?

Yes. All services under the Postal Service will continue unimpacted throughout the government shutdown.

What is the impact on food assistance?

SNAP payments will continue during the month of October but if the shutdown lasts into November or beyond, benefits may be impacted. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), will only continue at the state and local level.

What is the impact on housing?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.

What is the impact on travel?

You can and should continue to enjoy your travel plans. TSA officers and Air Traffic Controllers are considered essential and are reporting to work throughout the shutdown, however, they will work without pay, so please be patient with delays.
All services at international embassies and consulates will continue during a lapse of appropriations.

I'm coming to DC, will my tours still take place?

Unfortunately, tour guides and visitor centers of DC's government buildings are considered non-essential and have been closed. This means that all tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, FBI Building, Library of Congress, National Archives, Supreme Court, State Department, Historic Treasury Building, and Bureau of Engraving and Printing have been canceled during the shutdown.

What is the impact on state and local services?

The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.

I have an issue with a government agency, can I still call them for help? Can you help me instead?

Due to the lapse in funding, many agencies have furloughed workers, so their help desks may have little or no staffing. You are encouraged to contact any agency to learn if they are still able to assist you at this time. You can also contact my office to open a case for you. We can contact an agency on your behalf and provide you with updates if they are open or when they re-open at the conclusion of a shutdown.

I already have a case open with your office, should I do anything during the shutdown?

My office is continuing to submit inquiries to federal agencies including requesting updates on constituents' behalf, submitting paperwork, and opening new cases. We will provide you with an update as soon as it is available.