2025 Federal Government Shutdown

Last Updated on October 4, 2025

Our federal government shut down at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, because the Republican majority in Congress has not passed a full government funding bill. Federal government shutdowns cause devastation across the country, hurting working families, damaging our economy, endangering our national security, and forcing our troops to potentially serve without pay.

Rep. Underwood has voted repeatedly to avoid shutdowns and keep our government open with legislation that protects and supports our community in Illinois. During this shutdown, she remains focused on keeping critical services up and running for families in our district.  

Our office will remain fully open to serve constituents like you during the shutdown. We are here to help you with any questions or disruption caused by the shutdown and to help you navigate federal agencies. If you need assistance with federal issues, please click here or call our office at 630-549-2190. Our office also has information on mental health resources if you are experiencing added stress or hardship at this time.  

To stay updated on how the shutdown affects you and our work in the community, subscribe to our newsletter here.  

Below, you will find a list of frequently asked questions about the 2025 federal government shutdown and community resources you may find helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at 630-549-2190 if you have any additional questions or needs. 

FAQs on the 2025 Federal Government Shutdown

Please note: This FAQ is based on information from prior shutdowns. The Trump Administration has not provided timely shutdown plans for all agencies.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?

Recipients will 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 the public will likely experience increased wait times for customer service.  

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?  

Medicare and Medicaid will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.

What happens to veterans' services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?

When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." Some employees will continue to work based on the classification by their agency. Others will be placed on unpaid leave or “furloughed” and will not work. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion. President Trump has threatened to recklessly fire thousands of federal workers during this shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?

In prior shutdowns, all active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders were required to work. On-base non-acute health care ceased, but off-base care provided through Tricare was not affected. On-base child care was open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement was also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.

Will commercial air travel be affected?

Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents remained on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over.

What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies. In prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS—which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer—will be delayed, and cleanup activities at contaminated sites will slow or cease.

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.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?

In prior shutdowns, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) stopped insuring some new mortgages, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stopped processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) also stopped new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans.

How will this affect small businesses?

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.

Additional information from House Committee on Small Business can be found here.

Will my mail still arrive?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

What does this mean for medical research?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.

Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?

Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff—including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions—may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis. Open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible.

Will I still be able to visit the Smithsonian Institution?

The Smithsonian has determined that it has sufficient prior-year federal appropriation balances to remain open and operational until midnight on Saturday, October 11. If the government shutdown continues past October 11, the Smithsonian will close to the public and officially shut down on Sunday, October 12. 

How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?

Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.

What is the impact on state and local services?

With federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.

Community Resources

Coming soon.