Practical guidance
Government shutdown guides
Start with the part of government that affects you. Each guide separates what usually continues from what can change during a specific funding lapse.
Federal workers
3 guidesFederal Employee Pay During a Government Shutdown
Federal employees eventually receive back pay after a shutdown, but paychecks may be delayed. Learn the rules for furloughed, excepted, and exempt workers.
Updated Sep 15, 2026Contractor guideGovernment Contractors During a Shutdown: Pay and Work Rules
Federal contractor work may continue, pause, or lose site access during a shutdown. Learn what determines pay and which questions to ask your employer.
Updated Sep 15, 2026Service member guideMilitary Pay During a Government Shutdown
Active-duty operations generally continue in a shutdown. Pay timing depends on available funds and any special provision Congress enacts. Retroactive civilian pay rules do not automatically cover every military question.
Updated Sep 17, 2026Benefits
4 guidesSNAP and WIC During a Government Shutdown
SNAP and WIC do not necessarily stop on day one of a shutdown. Learn why timing, available funds, state agencies, and federal guidance matter.
Updated Sep 15, 2026Benefits guideSocial Security, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid During a Shutdown
Social Security and SSI payments generally continue during a government shutdown, as do Medicare and Medicaid benefits, but customer service can slow.
Updated Sep 15, 2026Student aid guideStudent Loans and FAFSA During a Government Shutdown
Existing student-loan servicing often continues in a shutdown. New originations, some FSA reviews, and PSLF processing can slow depending on the Education Department plan.
Updated Sep 17, 2026Veterans guideVA Benefits and Health Care During a Government Shutdown
VA compensation, pension, and medical care generally continue during a shutdown. Claims processing, call centers, and some scheduled services can still slow.
Updated Sep 17, 2026Travel
3 guidesAir Travel During a Government Shutdown: TSA and FAA
Airports stay open during most shutdowns, with TSA officers and air traffic controllers working. Learn what can cause delays and how to prepare.
Updated Sep 15, 2026Parks guideAre National Parks Open During a Government Shutdown?
National park access during a shutdown varies by site. Visitor centers, restrooms, permits, campgrounds, and emergency services may close even when gates remain open.
Updated Sep 15, 2026Travel documents guidePassports and Visas During a Government Shutdown
Passport and visa services often continue because they collect fees, but some facilities and support can be affected. Learn what to check before travel.
Updated Sep 15, 2026Public services
5 guidesFederal Courts During a Government Shutdown
Federal courts can operate for a limited period on fee balances, then keep constitutionally required work going while postponing some civil functions. Deadlines still count.
Updated Sep 17, 2026Awards guideFederal Loans and Grants During a Government Shutdown
Already awarded federal funds can often still be spent in a shutdown. New loans, grants, inspections, and closings may wait until the administering agency has authority again.
Updated Sep 17, 2026DHS guideImmigration, USCIS, and DHS During a Government Shutdown
A DHS shutdown is not the same as a government-wide lapse. Border and screening functions usually continue; E-Verify, some USCIS work, and FEMA grants can still slow.
Updated Sep 17, 2026Taxes guideIRS, Tax Deadlines, and Refunds During a Government Shutdown
Tax filing and payment deadlines usually still apply in a shutdown. Refunds, phone help, and audits depend on the IRS contingency plan and the time of year.
Updated Sep 17, 2026Public services guideDoes Mail Run During a Government Shutdown? USPS Explained
USPS mail delivery generally continues during a federal shutdown because the Postal Service funds operations through its own revenue.
Updated Sep 15, 2026