Government Shutdown Resource Guide

LAST UPDATED: September 29, 2023

Each government agency has contingency plans for how to operate during a federal shutdown. The Office of Management and Budget has a list of the most updated plans here. It is important for federal employees to communicate with their respective agencies as guidance may vary by agency.  

During this challenging time, please know that my office is available to help you. You may contact my office at (505) 428-4680 or you can send me an email here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase.

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?

Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be unable to issue Medicare replacement cards and could possibly slow new enrollment processing. 

Will Indian Health Service benefits be affected?

Last year, I helped secure advance appropriations for Indian Health Service (IHS). As a result, the majority of IHS-funded programs will remain funded and operational during a shutdown. Facilities construction projects will continue. All staff will remain working and be paid. 

What is the impact on the Bureau of Indian Education?

Bureau of Indian Education K-12 schools as well as Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute will continue to operate during a shutdown. 

What happens to veterans' services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA)medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits, although VA benefits regional offices will be closed.Veterans will be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including education and job training, career counseling, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans. The Santa Fe National Cemetery will remain open and continue burials. 

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." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough.

What is the impact to Los Alamos National Laboratory?

A shutdown will have no immediate impact on Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Any changes to Laboratory operating status due to the shutdown will be communicated through LANLToday and the LANLInside homepage each Thursday and as needed.

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 excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.

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.
Will air travel be affected?

Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.

What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?

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

U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters will continue to work and respond to wildfires, although they will only receive pay while working on an active fire incident.

Note: The Hermit’s Peak Office will continue to operate as normal under a government shutdown. The Natural Resources Conservation Service has also designated the team working on Conservation Restoration Plans for Hermit’s Peak as essential so they will continue to assist New Mexicans. 

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 Superfund sites will slow or cease.

What is the impact on food assistance?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.

What is the impact on food safety activities?

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meat, poultry and egg inspections will continue.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country.

What is the impact on housing?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.

How will this affect small businesses?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.

Will my mail still arrive?

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

How will a shutdown impact student financial aid and loan repayment?

Loan services will continue uninterrupted for the first few weeks of a shutdown. However, in the event of a prolonged shutdown, student loan repayment operations may be disrupted.

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?

National Parks will be closed. Gates will be locked, visitor centers will be closed, and park rangers will be furloughed. Areas that, by their nature, are physically accessible to the public will have significantly reduced services. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.

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?

The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, 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.

Resources for New Mexicans

Food Assistance

Financial Resources 

Cell phone carriers 

Temporary Employment

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (www.dws.state.nm.us) can register you and help you find part-time or temporary positions. No appointment is necessary - walk-ins are accepted at all of these locations:

Mental Health Services

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline