Resources and Information on the October 2025 Federal Government Shutdown
This page is to provide information to Congressman Casar’s constituents about a government shutdown.
Congressman Casar is fighting to reopen the government while protecting affordable health care. He is ready and eager to vote for a bill that does that. Unfortunately, after shutting down parts of our government all year, Trump and Republicans have refused to come to the table with a deal that keeps the government open and prevents a health care crisis.
Starting on October 1st, the government entered into a “shutdown,” which cut down on many aspects of the federal government that people count on. Other services should remain open.
Congressman Casar’s office remains open and ready to help Texans however we can.
This FAQ is based on information from prior shutdowns. Because Trump has threatened to manipulate a shutdown for his own political gain, some agencies may end up doing things differently than they have in the past. We will do our best to keep this information up to date as we learn more.
Please call our office if you have additional questions or need help understanding any of this information.
How to get help from Casar’s office
Congressman Casar’s office is open during regular hours and working hard to help Texans navigate the shutdown. Some casework may slow down because an agency stops processing cases during a shutdown, while others will continue. You can contact our office for details.
Get Help from Our Caseworkers: Constituent Services Request Form
Call My Office: (202) 225-5645
Not in TX-35?: Find Your Representative on House.gov
Impacts on Services
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Recipients should 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 wait times will likely increase.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance should be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
Will federal courts still be open?
Federal courts are expected to remain open for at least through Friday, October 17th.
Do I still have to pay my student loans during a government shutdown?
Yes. Borrowers are still expected to resume payments in October.
Will I still receive WIC benefits for groceries?
As of now, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program users can still use their cards and attend their appointments in Texas. Benefits may be impacted differently in other states. If the shutdown continues for an extended period, benefits in Texas may also be reduced.
Will I still receive SNAP benefits for groceries?
The Trump Administration has the money to fully fund benefits for November, but has chosen to pay people 65% of their regular benefits for this month. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services needs time to adjust their payments, so it is not clear when those smaller payments will go out. Congressman Casar has urged the Trump Administration to keep paying SNAP benefits in full, and will continue to do everything he can to make sure our community has what it needs.
If you need food assistance, you can find information on getting food from the Central Texas Food Bank here and the San Antonio Food Bank here.
Will I have access to federal rental and housing assistance during a shutdown, such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) or Section 8?
For now, you will continue to receive U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance as long as funding remains. A longer shutdown may impact access to assistance.
What if I have an application, interview, or appointment with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services?
Most USCIS programs will continue to operate normally.
If you were previously planning on attending an interview, you should attend it.
Can I still get a passport?
The U.S. Passport Agency will continue issuing passports, but some offices may close down if they are in buildings run by another agency.
U.S. citizens living abroad should prepare for delays in any application or processing requests as staff furloughs may occur.
What about Small Business loans?
In prior shutdowns, the Small Business Administration (SBA) stopped processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program continued regular operations.
What is the impact on federal housing loans?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans will continue to be endorsed. FHA insured projects with firm commitments and scheduled closings may go forward, although no new firm commitments will be issued.
FHA will have limited staff during a lapse in appropriations and the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed.
What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
FEMA should still respond to emergencies.
In prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
In prior shutdowns, some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities—such as routine inspections of facilities —were delayed.
Will my travel plans be affected?
There could be delays and longer wait times for travelers at airports. During past shutdowns, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and air traffic controllers called off work due to the loss in pay.
Before you travel, plan ahead. Check with your airline about cancellations and delays, give yourself a cushion if you’re booking connecting flights, and leave extra time to get through airport screenings.
What is the impact on veterans' services?
What happens to veterans’ services?
Many Veterans’ health care and critical services will continue. The Department of Veteran Affairs is not being hit like many other agencies due to appropriations already awarded by Congress. Benefits checks will continue to be processed and medical appointments at VA health centers won’t be interrupted.
Unfortunately, officials are shuttering several support phone services, including the GI Bill Hotline. Regional VA benefits offices will be closed, and public affairs outreach efforts will end. Career counseling and transition assistance programs are also halted.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees should continue to receive retirement benefits. Processing of new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Information for Military Personnel, Federal Employees, Contractors
If I’m a federal employee, will I keep working? Will I get paid?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify many employees 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.
Federal employees are mostly not paid during a government shutdown. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees should receive backpay when the shutdown ends. Many federal contractors who will be furloughed may not receive back pay once the shutdown ends.
The Office of Personnel Management's website provides additional information.
Donald Trump has threatened to needlessly fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year. Congressman Casar will oppose that.
I am a government contractor. What should I expect?
Government facilities will be closed. No new contracts or modifications will be issued, and there will be delays in the acquisition process for procurements.
I’m a federal worker, contractor, or I’m employed at a federal building that will not be open. Can I file for unemployment?
If the government shuts down, federal workers and contractors who are furloughed or terminated contractors may apply for unemployment in the state where they work.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are required to keep working. Many but not all civilian personnel will be furloughed.
Most medical and dental care for U.S. military personnel will continue, including Tricare, acute and emergency care, and in-patient care. Elective surgery and other routine or elective procedures will not continue during the shutdown in most cases.
On-base child care will remain open.
Federal law enforcement officers were also required to work.
Like all federal employees, military personnel and federal law enforcement will work unpaid until after the shutdown ends, at which point they should receive backpay.