Will Senator Gallego’s office remain open during a shutdown?
Our office will remain open to provide essential services to Arizonans. However, with many federal employees furloughed and agencies’ operations halted, we cannot guarantee any responses, outcomes, or timelines.
To get in touch with our office about shutdown-specific inquiries, please send us an email at shutdown@gallego.senate.gov or call our DC office at 202-224-4521.
Will federal workers still get paid?
Under current law, federal employees — whether furloughed or required to work during the shutdown — are entitled to retroactive pay for the time the government was closed. However, they will be paid only after the government re-opens.
Federal contractors are not guaranteed backpay upon reopening.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security benefits?
Yes; recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue to 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. Customer service wait times will increase.
Will I continue to receive my Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance benefits?
Yes; current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits as long as a shutdown lasts less than three months. Resources for older adults can be found HERE.
What happens to veterans’ services, U.S. military personnel, and federal law enforcement?
Veterans Affairs medical facilities and clinics will remain open, and the VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, other services for veterans—such as education, training, and housing support—may be disrupted. You can stay up to date on VA operations HERE and see information from the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services HERE.
Active-duty military, Guard, Reservists, and federal law enforcement will be required to work. On-base, non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. You can find trusted information, resources, and confidential help from Military One Source HERE.
Military and federal retirees will still receive their retirement benefits, though processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Will travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and CBP agents are required to continue working without pay until the government reopens, but expect delays at airports and longer wait times at ports of entry. Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue initially, but a prolonged shutdown could lead to slower service.
Will immigration cases be affected?
Immigration court cases on the detained docket should still proceed during a lapse in congressional appropriations while non-detained docket cases will be reset for a later date when funding resumes. In past shutdowns the Department of Homeland Security has continued Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing and operations. All services at international embassies and consulates should continue during a shutdown.
What is the impact on food and housing assistance?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding if Republicans drag this shutdown out, leaving new and expecting mothers without the support they need to feed themselves and their young children.
In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
New loans from HUD, USDA, and FHA may also be paused, although the VA will continue guaranteeing home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes; the U.S. Postal Service is self-funded through postage and other fees and will not be impacted.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis. For up-to-date information on Arizona National Parks visit https://www.nps.gov/state/az/index.htm. Keep in mind that visiting a closed park can be dangerous as park staff may be unavailable to assist in the case of emergency.
Will Tribal resources still be available?
The Bureau of Indian Affairs will continue critical operations like law enforcement (e.g., BIA police), and Indian Health Services will remain operational. Non-essential operations will be suspended. Federally funded tribal programs will not receive new funding until Congress passes a budget. Tribes may use any remaining prior-year funds temporarily, but once those are exhausted, they would need to decide whether to cover program costs themselves until federal funding is restored. Find more information HERE.
How will this impact federal student loans?
The Department of Education will continue to disburse student aid and grant funding, and borrowers will still be required to make student loan payments. Grantees will still be able to access their awarded funds, but the department will not release any new grants during a shutdown.
What is the impact on small businesses?
In prior shutdowns, the Small Business Administration (SBA) stopped processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program continued regular operations.
When will the government reopen?
Democrats are ready to negotiate a bipartisan budget today to end this shutdown and keep healthcare affordable for millions of Americans. But Republicans controlling the House, the Senate, and the White House are refusing to negotiate. They would rather keep the government closed than protect Americans’ healthcare.