As of midnight on September 30, 2025, the federal government has shut down. Beginning October 1, federal operations are significantly reduced. Many services that communities rely on will be closed or continue with limited capacity. The duration of this shutdown remains uncertain.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about what this means for you and your family.
How will this impact South Carolina constituents needing assistance from my office?
My office remains open and available to help South Carolinians during the shutdown. Some assistance may take longer than usual due to furloughs of executive branch employees we work with to resolve issues.
Congressional staff are not paid during a shutdown but will continue serving constituents and typically receive back pay once the government reopens.
What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress does not pass appropriations bills—or a temporary funding measure known as a continuing resolution (CR)—to finance federal agencies and programs. These bills fund the government through the fiscal year, which ends September 30.
Without either new appropriations or a CR, government funding lapses, and many agencies must pause or scale back operations until funding is restored.
Who is affected by a government shutdown?
A shutdown impacts most agencies funded through annual appropriations. “Non-essential” employees are placed on unpaid leave (furlough), and some public services are temporarily suspended.
“Essential” employees—those responsible for public safety and critical operations—continue working, though their pay may be delayed until the government reopens.
Who continues to receive pay during a shutdown?
Some federal entities remain open because they are self-funded or have independent revenue sources. These include:
- The U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
- Members of Congress
- The President
Most other federal employees and contractors will experience temporary pay interruptions. Furloughed employees will receive back pay once the government resumes operations; most contractors will not.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI payments?
Yes. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will continue. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will also process new applications, replacement cards, and appeals.
Some services—such as benefit verifications and overpayment corrections—may experience delays.
Will I still be able to use Medicare/Medicaid?
Yes. Medicare and Medicaid are mandatory programs and will continue without interruption. Open enrollment periods for Medicare (beginning October 15) and the Affordable Care Act (beginning November 1) will proceed as scheduled.
How will veterans be affected?
Veterans’ health care and benefits—including compensation, pension, education, and housing—will continue without disruption.
However, certain services like outreach, career counseling, and cemetery maintenance may be limited. Some regional VA offices may close temporarily.
Will I still receive my WIC or SNAP benefits?
Yes, for now. In South Carolina, WIC services remain fully operational. Families should continue attending appointments to receive nutrition, lactation, and food support.
For SNAP, recent court actions have allowed the use of federal contingency funds to continue issuing benefits. However, those funds are limited, and recipients may see partial or reduced payments until full funding is restored. The situation remains fluid as federal agencies determine next steps.
Will I still have access to TANF benefits?
TANF programs are expected to continue for the time being, as they are administered at the state level. However, funding is time-limited and may be affected if the shutdown persists through November.
Similarly, Head Start programs could begin experiencing interruptions in early November if federal funding delays continue.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. Postal Service operations are self-funded and will continue as normal.
Will public schools be affected?
Most public K–12 schools will remain open because they rely primarily on state and local funding. However, some Head Start and early childhood programs may experience temporary closures.
How will public health and safety be affected?
Some federal safety inspections (for food, drinking water, and workplaces) may be delayed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will continue inspecting imported foods but may pause some domestic inspections.
Can I still visit national parks, monuments, and museums?
Most national parks will close, except for open-air areas accessible without staff. Visitors may encounter uncollected trash or closed restrooms.
Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will close after using remaining funds from the previous fiscal year.
Will federal courts still be open?
Yes, for at least two weeks after the shutdown begins. The judiciary can operate temporarily using non-appropriated funds. Some court proceedings may be delayed if federal lawyers are furloughed.
Will assistance for student loans be affected?
Federal Student Aid operations will continue initially, but a prolonged shutdown could disrupt borrower support and FAFSA processing. Students should contact their schools for alternative financial aid guidance.
Will the IRS be available for tax filings and refunds?
Yes. Tax filings with valid extensions are still due by October 16, though refunds and correspondence may experience significant delays.
Will disaster relief be available?
FEMA will continue responding to active emergencies, but long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts could be delayed if funding for the Disaster Relief Fund runs low.
Will small businesses have access to federal loans?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will pause most new loans during the shutdown. Existing loan payments remain due, and disaster loans may still be processed but more slowly.
Will farmers be affected?
Yes. USDA Farm Service Agency offices will be closed, delaying subsidies, loans, and key data releases. Loan payment policies may be temporarily relaxed, as in prior shutdowns.
What about FHA-insured home loans and foreclosures?
FHA-insured loans may face processing delays. Borrowers should stay in touch with their lenders for updates. Loss mitigation and foreclosure assistance programs will continue operating.
Will housing assistance continue?
Yes, at least through the end of the calendar year. HUD funding for Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and rental assistance remains available. A prolonged shutdown could impact renewals or the reissuing of vouchers later in the year.
Will travel be impacted?
Travelers may experience longer airport wait times if TSA agents or air traffic controllers call in sick or experience delays in pay. Always allow extra time, especially for connecting flights.
TSA PreCheck applications are expected to continue, but Global Entry interviews may be postponed.
Can I get or renew a passport?
Yes. The U.S. Passport Agency remains open, though service may be slower in some offices affected by building closures or staffing reductions.
Are U.S. embassies and consulates abroad open?
Yes, but with limited staffing. U.S. citizens abroad should expect longer processing times for passports or consular services. Check individual embassy websites for local updates.
How many federal workers are affected?
Approximately four million federal employees may experience pay interruptions during the shutdown. Millions more government contractors may face work stoppages, and many will not receive back pay once the shutdown ends.
Can furloughed workers apply for unemployment?
Yes. Federal employees and contractors who are furloughed may apply for unemployment benefits in their state of employment.
What’s the economic impact?
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the 2018–2019 shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion, mostly due to reduced consumer spending by unpaid workers. Prolonged shutdowns have ripple effects across local economies and small businesses.
How long will this last?
A shutdown continues until Congress passes and the President signs appropriations bills to restore funding. Past shutdowns have varied in length—from a few days to more than a month.
Need help?
My office is here to serve South Carolinians.
Call | (202) 224-6121
Visit | scott.senate.gov/contact
Call 2-1-1
Dial 211 to connect with local resources for food, housing, and other essential needs across South Carolina. Operators are available 24/7 to assist.
South Carolina Food Pantry Finder
Use the statewide database to find food pantries near you. You can search by city or enter your address to locate the nearest site: South Carolina Food Pantries
DoorDash – Free Meal Deliveries
DoorDash is offering free meal delivery and waiving delivery and service fees for families affected by the federal shutdown.
Learn more: DoorDash SNAP Support Program
Community Event: Free Kids Meals
Nicky’s Pizzaria
102 E. Main Street, Lexington, SC
Beginning November 4, Nicky’s Pizzaria will offer—while supplies last—a free kids’ spaghetti meal with garlic bread every Tuesday until SNAP benefits are reinstated.
A parent or guardian must show a valid SNAP card and matching ID when picking up.
Meals are available for children ages 3–18 (children do not need to be present).
Limit four meals per family to ensure as many families as possible can benefit.
No online orders. Dine-in available with additional food purchase.
Carolina Pregnancy Center
Formula and Diaper Assistance (must call)
7425 Westlake Dr.,
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Call: (864) 582-4673
https://carolinapregnancy.org/
Piedmont Women’s Center
Formula and Diaper Assistance (must call)
Greenville Location: 1143 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605
Greer Location: 100 Collins Drive, Greer, SC 29651
Powdersville Location: 108 Commons Boulevard, Piedmont, SC 29673
864.233.3823
https://piedmontwomenscenter.org/
Hartsville Interfaith Ministries
Food bank (must call)
210 South Second St.
Hartsville, SC 29550
843.309.9200