FAQs: Navigating a Government Shutdown

The federal government shuts down when Congress does not approve the budget bills that fund essential agencies and programs, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN, known in English as NAP). These budgets keep the government running until the end of each fiscal year, which concludes on September 30, 2025.

For Puerto Rico, the risk is significant, especially during a prolonged government shutdown: federal funds support disaster recovery, health services, food assistance, and housing. Without a new budget or a temporary measure known as a continuing resolution (CR), these essential programs remain uncertain.

NEED HELP?
Even if some federal services are delayed or interrupted, the Resident Commissioner’s office will remain open to assist you. If you have questions or need assistance, you can contact:

Caguas: (787) 230-7959
Washington, DC Office: (202) 225-2615

Federal Programs

Will I still receive my Social Security checks?
Yes. Beneficiaries will continue to receive their Social Security checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue limited services, such as issuing Social Security cards and scheduling appointments for new benefit applications. However, it will stop processing benefit verifications and overpayments, which could lead to longer wait times for public services.

Will Medicare and Medicaid be affected?
In a shutdown lasting less than three months, Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance will not be significantly affected. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.

What happens to NAP and SNAP benefits during a government shutdown?
In Puerto Rico, the Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN/NAP) will not be affected—unless the shutdown drags on for too long.

Will WIC benefits be affected during a government shutdown?
The agency has indicated that WIC will continue, but only “subject to the availability of funds.”

Will I still receive my mail?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is not affected by a shutdown.

What happens with passport and immigration applications?
Visas and passports are funded by fees and are usually not affected by a shutdown. Immigration cases for detainees proceed, but non-detainee cases are postponed. DHS continues to keep CBP, USCIS, and ICE in operation, and embassy and consulate services remain available.

What is the impact on student loans?
Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans should continue being disbursed during a shutdown, but only as long as prior-year funds and mandatory appropriations last.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?
In past shutdowns:

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) stopped insuring certain new mortgages.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stopped processing some new loans.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended issuing new loans and guarantees.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continued guaranteeing veteran home loans.

What is the impact on small businesses?
In previous shutdowns, the Small Business Administration (SBA) stopped processing new business loans, such as those under the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program continued operating normally.

What is the impact on agricultural loans and grants?
A government shutdown, combined with the suspension of farm bill programs, will likely halt the processing of loan or grant applications at FSA, Rural Development, and other USDA agencies. This could affect farmers and rural communities that rely on these resources.

What happens with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) during a government shutdown?
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) notified its state and county offices that its authority to administer the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) ends after Tuesday. Since Congress has not passed a new farm bill to extend the program beyond fiscal year 2025, CRP enrollments and related activities will be suspended.

What happens with food inspection?
In previous shutdowns, some food safety activities of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as routine facility inspections, were delayed.

Federal Employees

Which federal employees continue working during a shutdown?
During a shutdown, federal agencies must classify their employees as “exempt” or “non-exempt.”

Exempt employees continue working without pay during the shutdown.
Non-exempt employees are placed on unpaid furlough.

The Fair Treatment for Federal Employees Act of 2019 guarantees that all federal employees will receive back pay once the shutdown ends. President Trump has threatened to unnecessarily fire thousands of federal employees during a shutdown, as he has attempted to do throughout this year.

I am a government contractor. What should I expect?
Government facilities will be closed. No new contracts or modifications will be issued, and procurement processes for purchases will face delays.

National Security and Veterans

What happens with disaster relief efforts?
FEMA personnel will continue responding to immediate emergencies. However, in previous shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to lack of funds in the Disaster Relief Fund.

What will happen to veterans’ services?
All hospitals and clinics of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will remain fully operational. The VA will continue processing veterans’ benefits.

What happens with military personnel and the armed forces?
In previous shutdowns:

All active-duty personnel, as well as National Guard and reservists on duty, continued working.
Medical care on military bases was reduced to emergency services, but off-base care covered by Tricare was not affected.
Childcare on bases was permitted on a case-by-case basis.
Federal public safety agencies also continued working.

Neither military personnel nor law enforcement will receive pay until the shutdown ends.

Will military and federal retirement benefits be suspended?
No. Military and federal retirees will continue receiving their benefits. However, the processing of new applications or requested changes could be delayed.

Will commercial air travel be affected?
In previous shutdowns, air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents continued working. However, they will not receive their pay until after the shutdown ends.

I am a veteran student who receives benefits under the GI Bill or the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. Will I continue to receive payments on time?
Yes. You will receive your GI Bill benefits on time. If you are enrolled in the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, you will also receive your payments as scheduled.

Federal Buildings & National Parks

Will IRS offices and other federal buildings remain open?
IRS offices and other federal buildings that serve the public may suspend services or operate with limited staff, resulting in delays and reduced availability. However, the latest IRS guidance indicates that, for now, they are expected to remain open for at least the next five days.

What happens to federal courts during a government shutdown?
Federal courts, such as the Luis A. Ferré Court in Ponce and the José V. Toledo Federal Building in San Juan, may see some of their services and operations interrupted.

Will tax refunds be delayed?
In previous shutdowns, phone calls to the IRS, taxpayer dispute resolutions, and the issuance of tax refunds were delayed.

Will national parks and historic sites in Puerto Rico remain open?
During a shutdown, parks and federally managed lands, such as El Yunque, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and Castillo San Cristóbal, typically close or reduce public services.

What happens with Capitol and White House tours?
Visitor centers and guides in federal buildings are considered non-essential, so they will remain closed during a shutdown. This means all tours of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the FBI Building will be canceled.