Updates on the Government Shutdown

As of October 1st, the federal government is shut down due to a lapse in funding. Senator Warner is working hard to bring an end to this shutdown and to lower health care costs for Virginians.

During this difficult time, Senator Warner’s offices remain open to serve Virginians who need help with a federal agency. However, many federal agencies are operating with reduced staff, and some are closed entirely. This means there could be significant delays in resolving issues. In some cases, responses may not be possible until the government reopens. If you need help with a federal agency, please submit a request here. 

Unfortunately, during the shutdown, we are unable to process requests for flags or tours.

To our dedicated federal employees: Senator Warner is deeply grateful for your service and your sacrifice. Please continue to monitor www.opm.gov for official updates, and know that Senator Warner’s team will do everything possible to support you during this time. 


Resources for Federal Workers

Financial Assistance from Credit Unions and Banks

Many financial institutions are offering services to federal workers facing financial difficulty due to the shutdown. These services can include reversing fees, offering low-interest loans and due date extensions.

 

  • The Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union is offering up to $10,000 interest-free through their furlough loan program. The DOCFCU is open to all U.S. citizens and resident aliens.
  • The Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering up to $10,000 zero-interest through their  relief line of credit. You do not need to be a Congressional employee in order to become a member. Learn how to join at https://www.congressionalfcu.org/about/join/how-to-join.
  • The U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union is offering up to $5,000 interest-free through their government shutdown relief loans. You do not need to be a Senate employee in order to become a member. Learn how to join at https://www.ussfcu.org/about-us/membership/join-ussfcu.
  • Navy Federal Credit Union is offering zero-interest loans up to $6,000 to its members.
  • Northwest Federal Credit Union is offering up to $10,000 interest-free through their relief line of credit for employees of associated intelligence agencies.
  • The PenFed Credit Union is offering a zero-interest paycheck protection loan in the amount of your paycheck, as well as skip-a-payment and hardship loan assistance.
  • USAA is offering zero-interest loans to eligible members up to $6,000.
  • The U.S. Employees Credit Union is offering interest-free loans to eligible account holders.
  • Other credit unions also have financial relief programs available. A list of many of these credit unions and the specific relief programs they are offering are available here. 
  • Outside of federal credit unions, your bank may offer additional assistance. The American Bankers Association has more informationhere about waivers, loan modifications, payment deadline extensions, payroll advances, low-rate and zero-rate loans offered by its members.

 

Utility Assistance – Electricity 

 

Utility Assistance – Natural Gas


Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund

In the event that a shutdown persists beyond the point that federal employees miss all or part of their paycheck, Micro Shutdown Grants will become available to full-time federal employees through the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA).

 

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You may also find it beneficial to seek local organizations that can be of assistance to you. The Virginia Department of Social Services can provide free information on available community resources through 2-1-1 Virginia. To connect with this service, dial 2-1-1 on your phone. When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional listens to your situation and suggests sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in Virginia. All referrals are confidential. You can also search for these same services on the 2-1-1 Virginia website, https://211.getcare.com/.

 

Unemployment Insurance

Federal employees who have been furloughed because of the federal shutdown may be eligible for unemployment insurance payments. More information is available through the Virginia Employment Commission here. 

Federal employees who are excepted and continue to work are not eligible for unemployment. Senator Warner has introduced legislationto expand eligibility to every federal employee.

Senator Warner has also introduced several other bills to support federal employees and contractors during the government shutdown: 

  • The Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act would allow federal employees to withdraw funds from their TSP without being penalized if the government shutdown is prolonged, while ensuring that funds could be recontributed later on.
  • The Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act would require federal financial industry regulators to issue guidance encouraging financial institutions to work with federal employees and small businesses impacted by a government shutdown – including offering flexible financial arrangements to prevent them from facing additional financial hardship brought on by penalties for late payments, overdraft fees, and credit damage.
  • The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act would protect federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown.
  • The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act would ensure federal contract workers, including low-wage service workers providing security, food and janitorial services, receive back pay for the wages and benefits lost due to a lapse in appropriations.
  • The Emergency Relief for Federal Contractors Act would allow federal contractors currently working without pay to withdraw funds from their retirement savings without being penalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

During a government shutdown, many federal agencies scale back their operations, and some federal workers may be temporarily furloughed. While essential services continue, programs deemed “non-essential” by the Administration are paused until funding is restored. Below are answers to some of the most common questions Virginians may have during a shutdown.

 

Federal Pay and Benefits

Will federal employees and servicemembers be paid during the shutdown?

Federal employees will not receive paychecks during the shutdown. However, thanks to legislation passed after the 2019 Trump shutdown, all federal employees are legally guaranteed to receive back pay once the government reopens. 

The Trump administration is required by law under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) to issue this back pay in full and without delay. There is no legal gray area – the administration must follow the law and pay federal workers what they are owed.

Federal contract workers, however, are not automatically guaranteed back pay. Senator Warner has introduced legislation to address this longstanding gap and ensure contract workers – who are often low-wage service workers providing security, food and janitorial services – aren’t left behind.

Active-duty servicemembers will continue working during the shutdown but are not guaranteed pay until funding is restored. They will receive back pay once the government reopens. Base services will remain operational, and DoDEA schools will stay open. On-base Child Development Centers may close on a case-by-case basis.

 

Social Security, Medicare, and Health Coverage

Will I still receive my Social Security or SSI benefits?

Yes. Social Security and SSI payments will continue to be distributed. However, new claims or benefit verifications may take longer to process, and local Social Security offices may have limited in-person services.

 

What about Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP?

Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue without interruption. However, some administrative services, such as issuing replacement Medicare cards or verifying benefits, may be delayed. Payments for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will continue.

 

Veterans Services

Will veterans’ benefits and services be affected?

Benefits, including compensation, pensions, education, housing, and health care, will continue without interruption. VA Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open. Burials and processing of burial benefits will continue, and the Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1) remains available 24/7.

However, some VA regional offices may be closed, and services like career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance may be paused.

 

Travel, Immigration, and Passports

Can I still get or renew a passport?

Yes. Passport services will continue, but processing may take longer than usual.

 

I have a USCIS appointment. Should I still go?

Yes. USCIS will continue to operate and process applications, though some delays are possible.

 

Will airports and TSA be affected?

TSA agents and air traffic controllers are considered essential and will continue working, but without pay during the shutdown. Travelers should prepare for potentially longer security lines.

 

What about U.S. embassies abroad?

Embassies generally remain open to some degree, but services may be delayed due to staff furloughs. Check the State Department website for specific information about your embassy or consulate.

 

Food Assistance, Housing, and Student Aid

What happens to SNAP and WIC benefits?

The federal government sends states Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits every month, and then states send these benefits to low income individuals who are eligible for SNAP. The October SNAP benefits have already been distributed to states, so payments to individuals will be made on schedule. However, if the shutdown continues, November SNAP benefits might be delayed or interrupted. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will also continue operations, but could face disruptions during a prolonged shutdown. Food stores that need to renew their WIC or SNAP licenses may also have to wait until the shutdown ends.

 

Will federal housing assistance continue?

Most participants in federal housing programs will continue receiving assistance during the early days of a shutdown, but delays or disruptions may occur if it lasts for an extended period. Staff furloughs could slow some services, including loan processing for FHA and VA-insured mortgages.

 

What happens to student loans and Pell Grants?

The Department of Education will continue to process and disburse federal student aid, including Pell Grants and student loans. However, borrowers may experience longer customer service wait times due to reduced staffing.

 

Other Federal Services

Will I still receive my mail?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service operates independently and will continue delivering mail.

 

Will national parks remain open?

All 63 national parks around the nation are currently open for public use, but visitor services, including visitor centers, restrooms, and trash collection, may be limited or unavailable to the public. For more information, please click here. 

 

Will the Smithsonian museums remain open?

Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, which receive federal funding, are currently closed amid the federal government shutdown. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C. during the shutdown, many privately funded museums remain open to welcome visitors. A list of operating museums and attractions can be found here. 

 

Can I still get a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol or White House?

All federal buildings will be closed for the duration of the shutdown. If you have a tour booked of the Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, or Bureau of Engraving and Printing, your tours will be canceled and not automatically rescheduled unless you request to do so. However, visitors are still welcome in the Senate galleries. Entry passes can be picked up at Senator Warner’s office in the Hart Senate Office Building, room 703.

 

What happens to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  and disaster response?

FEMA will continue to respond to disasters and conduct search and rescue operations. However, longer-term recovery and reconstruction projects may be delayed.

 

How will the Small Business Administration be affected?

During a federal government shutdown, the Small Business Administration (SBA) ceases operating its core lending and investment programs, including 7(a) and 504 loans. SBA disaster loan processing is expected to continue.