Due to a lapse in government funding, the federal government shutdown at midnight on October 1, 2025.

Both my Washington, DC, and district offices remain operational, and we will be available to assist with any urgent matters. Should you have any casework needs, questions, or concerns, please contact my Boston office at (617) 428-2000 or Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-8273. 

Below, you can find answers to frequently asked questions regarding a government shutdown. This page will be periodically updated as new information becomes available, and information may change as agencies adjust to the lapse in funding.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why does the government shut down?
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that fund the operations of federal agencies and programs. These appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. In the absence of routine appropriations bills, Congress may pass a temporary funding measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR). In the absence of approved appropriations bills or a CR, the government shuts down due to a lack of authorized funding.
 

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
A government shutdown will not impact Social Security benefit payments, but be aware that benefit verifications have ceased, meaning new recipients may see delays in processing their claims.
 

Will Medicare or Medicaid benefits be interrupted?
Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance will continue for the foreseeable future, but you may experience difficulty reaching these agencies, as some employees will be furloughed. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be unable to issue Medicare replacement cards and could slow new enrollment processing. 
 

I rely on food programs like SNAP and WIC. Will I keep getting my payments?
SNAP payments will continue as normal, but other nutritional programs, like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), will only continue at the state and local level. 
 

Is the United States Postal Service (USPS) still delivering mail?
All USPS services will continue throughout a government shutdown.
 

I am a federal employee. Will I still be paid?
All non-essential federal employees will be placed on unpaid leave, also known as being furloughed. Essential employees who perform emergency work involving the safety of human life, the protection of property, or other exempted work must continue to report to their job. Each federal agency will determine which employees will be furloughed and which must continue to report to work. For more details, please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website.
 

I have an issue with a government agency. Can I still call them for help? Can you help me instead?
Many agencies will be short-staffed due to furloughed workers. You are encouraged to contact agencies to learn if they are able to assist you. You can also contact my office to open a case for you.
 

I already have a case open with your office. Should I do anything during the shutdown?
My office is continuing to submit inquiries to federal agencies, including requesting updates on constituents' behalf, submitting paperwork, and opening new cases. If you have additional questions, please contact my Boston office at (617) 428-2000.
 

Do military personnel continue working?
The Department of Defense will continue defending our nation, and military personnel will continue to work without pay. Many military contractors and civilian employees could experience disruptions to their work and pay.
 

What happens to veterans’ services?
There is no expected impact on the Veterans Health Administration, and all Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics should remain open and operational.  
 

Should I cancel upcoming travel plans?
TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential and work without pay throughout a shutdown; however, delays and increased airport wait times are possible.
 

What about international travel?
All services at international embassies and consulates will continue. If you are abroad and need help, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
 

I'm traveling to Washington D.C., will my tours still take place?
Unfortunately, most federal buildings, including the U.S. Capitol and FBI Building, will be closed to the public with no tours permitted. The White House remains closed to public tours throughout the month of October due to ongoing construction. Museums like the Smithsonian Institute museums are not guaranteed to remain open to the public. If you have a tour scheduled through our office and want to check the status, please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-8273.
 

Will my passport renewal still be processed?
The State Department will continue to process passport applications and visas, with delayed processing times expected. Expedited passports and visa requests are unlikely to be processed during a shutdown, but please continue to submit requests and we will do everything possible to assist.
 

Are National Parks closed?
National Parks will remain open, but visitor centers will be closed, entrance fees won't be collected, educational programs will be canceled, and campsites won't be staffed. In many instances, restrooms will be closed, and services like trash collection and road maintenance will be suspended. There are also limited emergency and rescue services, and safety updates will not be published. Please keep this in mind when planning any visits to our National Parks.
 

Have more questions? 
Please contact my Washington, D.C. office (202) 225-8273, and we will do our best to assist you.