2025 Federal Government Shutdown: Resources and FAQ

As of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the federal government has entered a shutdown.

During the shutdown, my D.C. and Minnesota offices will remain open and we are committed to serving the people of Minnesota’s Third District. 

You can call our office at (202) 225-2871 or email us here. Please see some frequently asked questions and answers below. 

If you are a resident of Minnesota’s Third District who has been impacted by this shutdown, or will be impacted by health care cuts or health insurance premium increases, I would like to hear from you. Please let me know here. 

Federal Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

Please note: This information is subject to change. We will continue to update this with the most up-to-date information.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks? 

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks.The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments and the public will likely experience increased wait times for customer service.

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?

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.

What is the impact on veterans' services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?

When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion. Donald Trump has threatened to needlessly fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year. 

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?

All active-duty military personnel, National Guard, and Reservists on active-duty orders are classified as “excepted” and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care may cease, but off-base care provided through Tricare is not affected. On-base child care is open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement is also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.

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, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over. 

What is the impact on small businesses?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. 

What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?

FEMA staff will still respond to emergencies. It is possible that long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

What is the impact on food safety activities?

Some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed.