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As you may know, we are in a federal government shutdown that started Wednesday October 1, 2025 at midnight. Every year Congress must pass bills that fund federal government agencies that provide critical services for Americans, as of this time, Congress has not reached a deal to approve new funding.
To help address questions or concerns you may have at this time, my office has compiled some information below. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Unemployment Benefits
The Economic Development Department (EDD) will continue disbursing benefits. Federal workers affected by the government shutdown may apply for unemployment benefits.
Social Security
Social Security benefits will continue to be paid. However, customer service at the Social Security Administration could be impacted.
Medicare and Medicaid
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.
Small Businesses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as new 7(a) and 504 loans. However, SBA's Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
Mail
The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown. Read the U.S. Postal Service statement here.
Student Aid
Financial aid such as Pell Grants, federal direct student loans, and FAFSA applications will continue to be disbursed and processed, however this could be for a limited time. In addition, during the shutdown civil rights investigations at schools and universities will stop, as well as new grant making for schools. For more details visit this recent PBS article and the Department's contingency plan.
Food Assistance
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could be quickly depleted, leading to delayed food aid for those families in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
Veterans Services
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans' benefits. However, some services such as call centers, transition program assistance, career counseling and grounds maintenance at VA cemeteries will be impacted. For more information visit: https://department.va.gov/contingency-planning
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS is a fee-funded agency which means the federal government shutdown does not affect services with the exception of programs that receive appropriated funds which include E-Verify, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program, Conrad 30 J-1 doctors, and non-minister religious workers, which are suspended or otherwise affected.
Passports & Visas
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs are primarily funded through processing fees which means visa and passport services will continue, however a prolonged shutdown could cause delays. In addition, the shutdown does temporarily impact the E-Verify program used by employers to confirm new employees authorized to work in the U.S.
Air Travel
Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will continue to work, although without pay. This could worsen staffing shortages and lead to delays throughout the country.
As always, if you need any other information or assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here.