Federal Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

*Our office is open and working throughout the shutdown. We are still able to help constituents with casework requests but caution that responses from federal agencies may take longer than usual.* 

This FAQ draws on lessons from past shutdowns and current agency guidance. The Trump administration has not been fully transparent about shutdown plans. Former President Trump has also threatened to manipulate a shutdown for political gain, significantly alter agency operations, and use civil servants as pawns by firing them en masse. Click here to read Congressman Lieu's statement on the shutdown.

Funding for the federal government expired at midnight on October 1. 

If you need assistance, contact my office at (323) 651-1040.

Benefits & Services

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Yes. Payments will continue. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services (e.g., issuing Social Security cards and keeping appointments for benefit applications). Some functions—such as benefit verifications and processing overpayments—will pause, and you should expect longer wait times for customer service.

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
For a shutdown lasting less than three months, Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance are expected to be largely unaffected. Current beneficiaries will continue receiving benefits.

What is the impact on veterans’ services?
All VA medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The Department of Veterans Affairs will continue processing veterans’ benefits.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
No. Military and federal retirees will continue to receive retirement benefits. However, processing new applications or requested changes may be delayed.

Federal Workforce & Operations

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
Agencies must classify employees with lapsed salaries as either “excepted” or “not excepted.”

• Excepted employees continue working without pay during the shutdown.
• Not excepted employees are placed on unpaid furlough.
  Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees receive back pay for the shutdown period once it ends. Donald Trump has threatened to fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, consistent with his actions throughout the year.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
Active-duty service members and Guard/Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and must work.

• Health care: On-base non-acute care may pause; Tricare off-base care is not affected.
• Child care: On-base child care may remain open case-by-case.
• Law enforcement: Federal law enforcement is also required to work.
  Both groups will receive delayed pay until the shutdown ends.

Mail, Travel & Public Safety

Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

Will commercial air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and CBP agents will remain on the job. Like other federal employees, they won’t be paid until after the shutdown concludes.

What is the impact on food safety activities?
Some FDA food safety activities—such as routine facility inspections—will be delayed.

Small Business, Housing & Disaster Relief

What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans under programs like 7(a) and 504. The SBA Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?

• FHA will stop insuring some new mortgages.
• HUD will pause processing of certain new loans.
• USDA will halt new loan and loan-guarantee activity.
• The VA will continue guaranteeing home loans.

What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
FEMA will continue to respond to emergencies. In prior shutdowns, long-term projects faced delays due to limited funds in the Disaster Relief Fund.

If you have questions not covered here, please call (323) 651-1040.

Last updated: October 3, 2025 at 6:00AM Pacific