Goverment Shutdown Resources

Donald Trump and Senate Republicans have refused to support a plan to responsibly fund the government and avoid a shut down. I believe we can fund the government and our federal workforce while also preventing health care costs from spiking for American families and reining in this Administration’s lawless use of federal funding. I will continue working to pass legislation that responsibly funds our government so that we can end this shameful shutdown.

My office remains open to assist constituents during the shutdown. My team has put together the below information and resources I hope that you will find helpful. I’m also providing constant updates on my social media accounts which you can find here: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, Twitter/X.

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

During a government shutdown, many federal agencies scale back their operations, and some federal workers may be placed on temporary furlough. While many essential services will continue, those deemed by the Administration as non-essential will be paused until funding is restored.

Will federal workers and contractors be paid during the shutdown?
Federal employees will not receive paychecks during a government shutdown. However, as a result of legislation passed by Senator Van Hollen and then-Sen. Cardin after the 2019 Trump shutdown federal workers are guaranteed to automatically receive back pay when the government reopens. Unfortunately, this backpay is not guaranteed for federal contract workers. Senator Van Hollen has helped introduce legislation to right this wrong.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will continue to be distributed during the government shutdown. However, please be advised that processing times for new claims and responses to customer service inquiries may be delayed.

What happens to my Medicare and Medicaid benefits?
Your Medicare and Medicaid coverage will not be interrupted. However, ancillary coverage services, such as obtaining Medicare replacement cards and new benefit verifications will be stopped.Maryland Department of Health services will continue standard Medicaid coverage offerings, such as Medicaid waiver services and inpatient admissions at Maryland healthcare facilities.

What happens to my SNAP or WIC benefits?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue during the government shutdown. Individuals who are not currently enrolled may still apply for SNAP benefits, though processing times may take longer than usual. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will also continue during the shutdown, but could see delays for new enrollees. However, both programs’ benefits could be impacted depending on the duration of the shutdown.

Can I get a passport during the shutdown?
The State Department will continue to process passport applications during the shutdown, though normal processing times may be delayed.

What happens to Veterans Services?
VA essential healthcare services conducted through VA Medical Centers and Outpatient Clinics will continue to operate as usual. Furthermore, burials will continue at VA national cemeteries, as well as applications for burial benefits. However, for the duration of the government shutdown, VA regional benefits offices will close, as well as general career counseling or transition assistance programs.

What happens to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
TANF, along with Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) will remain available through the Maryland Department of Human Services. The Department may experience some delays as the shutdown continues.

What happens to federal disaster relief?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to respond to natural disasters, and disaster relief teams and search and rescue task forces will continue to remain operational. However, long-term projects, including ongoing reconstruction and repair efforts, will be indefinitely delayed due to a lack of funding during the shutdown.

What happens to federal rental and housing assistance?
Participants in federal housing programs will continue receiving assistance depending on the availability of reserves and duration of the shutdown.  Program participants are still required to pay their portion of rent, and should seek help immediately if they experience difficulties with rent payments or services. Because the shutdown results in a significant reduction in staff capacity, certain services carried out by HUD staff will be unavailable, such as housing counseling and funding drawdowns requiring HUD employee action.There is, however, a significant concern within the housing community that HUD under the Trump Administration may renege on its 2-year commitment for the Continuum of Care program. Any reduction in this funding would have an enormous impact – both on individuals currently experiencing homelessness and on many households now stably housed through county programs supported by this funding. The Continuing Resolution that Democrats proposed and Senator Van Hollen voted for requires that HUD renew all Continuum of Care grants expiring in 2026 for a full year, so that communities can continue providing shelter and emergency services to those in need.The Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs will furlough staff during a shutdown, which will delay processing of FHA and VA-insured mortgages. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authorization also expired on September 30th and needs to be renewed in a Continuing Resolution, so FHA is unable to insure new mortgages on homes that require NFIP coverage.

What about my student loans and Pell grants?
The Department of Education will continue to process and disburse federal student aid like Pell grants and student loans, and borrowers are expected to continue to make payments. Limited staffing at the Office of Federal Student Aid may result in customer service delays.

Senator Van Hollen’s office remains open to assist constituents during the shutdown. If you have a need that is not addressed through the resources listed below, please contact the Senator’s state office at (301) 545-1500.

Resources Available from the State of Maryland: 
The Moore-Miller Administration announced a series of actions to protect Marylanders during the federal government shutdown. You can find more information on those resources HERE. These resources include:

The resources also include loan programs for federal workers, food and cash assistance, and select legal resources. You can find more information on those resources plus additional assistance opportunities HERE. 

Unemployment:
Federal employees and contractors that have been furloughed because of the federal shutdown may file an unemployment claim. Your claim must be filed in the jurisdiction of your duty station. (Please note: If you receive retroactive pay, you will be required to repay all unemployment benefits. Eligibility determinations are made by each unemployment insurance agency.)

Workers with a duty station in Maryland should contact the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation at (410) 853-1700 or click here. You may find this list of Frequently Asked Questions for federal employees on the Department’s website helpful.

Federal employees who are excepted and continue to work are not eligible for unemployment. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congresswoman Elfreth have introduced legislation to expand eligibility to every federal employee.

United Way’s 211.org can direct you to local resources for assistance with housing and utility expenses, food, healthcare, and other emergency situations.

The Maryland Department of Labor also offers a Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program for federal employees recently terminated from their position. More information can be found here.  

The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund offers Shutdown Grants for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees. The application will only become available should a shutdown persist beyond the point that federal employees miss all or part of a paycheck. 

Utility Assistance:

Financial institution Guidance:

The Federal Housing Administration has called on lenders to be sensitive to the financial hardships experienced by borrowers because of the shutdown. This includes offering forbearance agreements (agreeing to delay foreclosure), waiving late fees, and other options. Please contact your financial institution for specificsMany banks, credit unions and mortgage companies are offering services to federal workers that are customers and members facing financial difficulty due to the shutdown. These services can include reversing fees, offering low-interest loans and due date extensions.

Some local credit unions are offering assistance during the shutdown. Click here for a list of credit unions with assistance programs. If you belong to a credit union, please contact them to find out if they are offering any assistance.

Federal Student Aid: