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. 

211 LA County

211 LA County is a resource hub for community members and organizations seeking health, human, and social services in LA County. You can call their 24/7 hotline at 211 or visit https://211la.org/. 

Food Assistance 
The ongoing shutdown is impacting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh benefits and the California Food Assistance Program. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could be impacted if the shutdown continues. 

***Update November 4, 2025: The California Department of Social Services has issued a statement advising CalFresh benefits will be delayed for the month of November 2025. In addition to CalFresh, California Food Assistance Program benefits will also be delayed.

On October 31st, two federal judges ruled that the federal government must, at minimum, continue partially funding SNAP, known in California as CalFresh. One of these rulings was in response to the litigation filed by the State of California and other states. The California Department of Social Services is waiting for information from the US Department of Agriculture regarding how much SNAP funding the state will receive, and when it will be available. Updates will be posted on their CalFresh FAQs page. If you need immediate food assistance, visit https://bit.ly/SD33-FoodBanks to find local food banks and resources in Senate District 33.

At this time, WIC benefits and CalWORKS benefits are expected to be available as usual for November 2025, but December 2025 benefits are at risk if the shutdown continues. Eligible Californians can apply for WIC during the shutdown and receive benefits, even if the need is temporary.

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.

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. LA County MVA offices remain open. Call (877) 452-8387 or visit https://mva.lacounty.gov/ to receive support and resources. 

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.

Housing

LA County residents concerned about their housing can contact the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or https://dcba.lacounty.gov/. 

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.