Government Shutdown FAQ
What a Government Shutdown Means for You
Starting October 1, 2025, the federal government has entered a “shutdown” caused by a lapse in funding. I am working hard to make sure that Congress passes a funding bill to re-open the federal government as soon as possible. Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding federal government programs and services during a shutdown. For more details on the effects of a shutdown, read here.
Will Congressman Olszewski’s office still accept casework?
As always, if residents of MD-02 need assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. However, constituents may experience delays with agency responses.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks?
Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. However, a portion of the Social Security Administration’s staff will be furloughed, which could mean the delay or suspension of benefit verifications, replacement of Medicare cards, and determinations on disability claims.
Will a shutdown impact Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP?
Medicare and Medicaid will continue during a federal shutdown. However, communications from the agencies and reaching out for assistance may be difficult due to temporary staff furloughs. Messages, updates, or support could be delayed or outdated.
Will a shutdown impact food assistance benefits?
Americans who count on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may be reduced or interrupted. Visit Maryland’s WIC website for updates.
Individuals on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may still receive their next SNAP payment on their regular deposit date, but an extended shutdown may interfere with your upcoming payments.
You can continue using your EBT card during a shutdown.
Will my mail still arrive?
The U.S. Postal Service is an independent entity that is funded through the sale of its products and services, and will not be impacted by a government shutdown.
What is the impact on veterans' services?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional offices may close during a government shutdown. Regular operations, like career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance, could be impacted as well.
VA health care services and burials will continue, and the Department will also continue to process and deliver benefits to veterans, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. However, delays may be experienced.
Will I receive my tax refund?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not released an updated plan for operating during a potential shutdown. During previous shutdowns, taxpayer phone calls, taxpayer disputes, and tax refunds were delayed. Paper tax filing may experience delays.
Will I be able to renew my passport?
Renewal and processing times of passports may be delayed. Passport services that are in shuttered agency buildings will be delayed.
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 but without pay. Employees classified as "non-essential" are furloughed and without pay until the shutdown ends.
Do furloughed federal employees get back pay?
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that furloughed government employees receive back pay once a shutdown ends. However, federal contractors impacted are not guaranteed back pay.
Will I still be able to visit the national parks, museums, and monuments?
The Smithsonian has determined that it has sufficient prior-year federal appropriation balances to remain open and operational until midnight on Saturday, October 11. This means business as usual for the Smithsonian through the 11th. If the government shutdown continues past October 11, the Smithsonian will close to the public and officially shut down on Sunday, October 12.
National parks will remain partially open during the shutdown. Open-air parks and monuments such as the National Mall are still accessible during a shutdown.
What is the impact on law enforcement or U.S. military personnel?
Active-duty U.S. military personnel and many law enforcement officers will remain on the job but be required to work without pay and may experience delays in their paychecks. Military training operations could be curtailed, which would impact our national security and our military’s readiness. Many civilian personnel, including military technicians, are likely to be furloughed.
How will the shutdown affect travel?
Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will be required to work without pay, which could lead to delays and long wait times at airports.
What is the impact on small businesses?
A government shutdown will impact federal loans to small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans for small businesses.
What is the impact on food safety?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could be forced to delay food safety inspections for products in Maryland and across the country. Additionally, inspectors will be forced to work without pay, potentially leading to delays or lessened oversight. The FDA will continue to manage recalls and food-borne illness-based outbreaks.
What is the impact on water quality?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efforts to identify and clean up harmful contaminants in drinking water will be delayed.
What will happen to student loan assistance and federal Head Start programs?
Student aid and loan programs could be disrupted, including processing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications, disbursing Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing Federal student loans.
Thousands of children across the country would lose access to Head Start programs.
What is the impact on workplace safety?
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) could be halted in inspections for workplace safety.
Will infrastructure projects be delayed?
A shutdown could delay major infrastructure projects due to a delay in federal reviews, including projects to modernize utilities in rural communities.
What is the impact on medical research?
A government shutdown would stall critical research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s because the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would not be able to begin new clinical trials.
How will the shutdown impact FEMA’s efforts to respond to natural disaster clean-up efforts?
A government shutdown will complicate new emergency response efforts. Funding for long-term recovery projects would be halted and delayed.