Answering Your Questions on the Government Shutdown
Funding for the federal government has lapsed as of October 1st. After President Trump told Republicans to “not even bother” negotiating with Democrats to keep government open and address skyrocketing health care costs, House Republicans canceled votes and left Washington – leaving the nation barreling toward a devastating shutdown.
Under the Republican budget President Trump signed into law, 15 million Americans stand to lose health coverage, including 37,000 residents of Connecticut’s First District. With Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire, 19,000 will see their premiums go up. The average family of four will see their premiums rise by $2,571 next year if these credits are not extended. Every House and Senate Democrat came together to offer a plan to keep government open, cancel these cuts, and protect families from skyrocketing premiums ahead of the fall open enrollment period.
As we have seen in the past, a government shutdown has serious impacts across the nation, hurting working families and damaging our economy. Rep. Larson is working with his colleagues to responsibly re-open government and take action to address rising health care costs.
To help you deal with this period of uncertainty, our office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. You can also contact us at 860-278-8888.
How will your operations be impacted? Can I still contact you for assistance with a federal agency?
My office remains open. We continue to work on and open new cases involving federal agencies and respond to your questions and comments.
Many federal offices have furloughed staff dedicated to responding to Congressional offices; as a result, progress may be slowed or paused during the shutdown.
We are continuing to correspond with agencies and will provide any updates as soon as they are available.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security Benefits?
Beneficiaries will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI benefit payments.
Most services at the Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue, including processing applications for new benefits and issuing Social Security cards.
Some services, including benefit verifications, have been halted.
Will Medicare, Medicaid (HUSKY) or Affordable Care Act coverage be disrupted?
Medicare and Affordable Care Act coverage is not impacted by the shutdown.
Medicaid (HUSKY) benefits will continue as normal unless the shutdown continues to January 2026.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
Will passports and visas still be issued?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are continuing during the government shutdown.
Passport acceptance offices located in buildings operated by an agency that is shut down are not open, but most sites are unaffected.
If the shutdown is prolonged, passport and visa issuance could be delayed.
How will the civilian federal workforce be impacted?
During a government shutdown, many federal workers are furloughed. All federal workers (including service members), regardless of furlough status will go without pay for the duration of the shutdown, including an estimated 10,464 workers in Connecticut.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that furloughed government employees receive backpay once a shutdown ends. However, impacted federal contractors are not guaranteed backpay.
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
How will servicemembers be impacted?
- Active-duty U.S. troops will continue to receive pay. If the shutdown is prolonged, this could change.
What is the impact on food assistance programs?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be affected unless the shutdown lasts longer than a month.
How will travel be impacted?
Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will continue working to make sure flights operate safely. Travelers should monitor airports for potential delays.
What happens to veterans’ services?
All Veterans’ Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational.
Benefits, guarantee home loans, and the Board of Veterans Appeals will process claims.
Veterans Medical Care, including suicide prevention programs, Veterans Health Administration homelessness programs, the Veterans Crisis Line, the VA’s Primary (1-800-MyVA411) Call Center, VA Benefit Hotline will continue.
The GI Bill and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance hotlines will be closed.
Will housing vouchers and home loans remain available?
Existing housing vouchers will continue to be issued, however, new vouchers will not be issued.
Federal mortgage programs, including at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have stop processing new loan applications. Authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program has expired, preventing new policies, renewals, and modifications.
What will happen to student loans?
Student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments.
The Department of Education will continue to disburse Pell Grants and Federal Direct student loans.
How will farmers be affected?
The state Farm Service Agency office and all Farm Service Agency field offices, including offices in Windsor and Torrington, are closed, pausing the processing of any new operating and direct loan applications. The Natural Resources Conservation Services offices are also closed.
Enrollment in Farm bill funded conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) are paused.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is not accepting any new orders. Pre-placed food orders will be shipped and delivered to food banks as scheduled.
Will Small Business Administration loans be processed?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has stopped processing new business loans and has ceased providing program support to private-sector partner organizations and specialized small businesses services.
Can I visit Washington, D.C. for tours?
The Capitol’s flag office is closed. If you request a flag to be flown over the Capitol during the lapse in funding, your request will be delayed until the shutdown ends.
The following sites are closed:
The White House
The US Capitol
The FBI
The Library of Congress
The United States Botanic Garden
The Smithsonian Museums, including the National Zoo
The National Archives
The Washington Monument and other monument visitor centers
The Pentagon
Ford’s Theater and Petersen House (open for performances)
The following sites are open:
The Supreme Court
The National Mall and any open-air monuments
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Arlington National Cemetery (facilities may be limited)
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (through October 24th, then closed)