FAQ: How will the shutdown affect you?
This is just a partial list, so call our office at 202-225-6211 for any other shutdown questions you might have.
Full contingency plans for all Federal Agencies available here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/contingency-plans
What if I have open casework with your office?
My offices are open and my constituent services staff will continue working on problems constituents are having with federal agencies. Each federal agency is operating differently under the shutdown, and my staff's ability to get you an answer or a resolution will depend on the type of case. If you have any questions, please call my Duluth office at (218) 464-5095.
Will I still have access to Veteran Services?
Some services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue because lawmakers approve money one year in advance for the VA's health programs. Veterans will still be able to visit hospitals for inpatient care, get mental health counseling at vet centers, or get prescriptions filled at VA health clinics. Operators will still staff the crisis hotline and claims workers will still process payments to cover disability and pension benefits. But those veterans appealing the denial of disability benefits to the Board of Veterans Appeals will have to wait longer for a decision because the board would not issue any decisions during a shutdown. For more information, here's a Field Guide on the shutdown issued by the VA: http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Field_Guide_20130927.pdf.
Will members of the military be paid during a shutdown?
Yes, active duty members of the military will be paid, and they will be paid on time.
Will I still receive Social Security, Medicare and unemployment benefits?
Yes—however, new applicants may see delays. Additionally, Social Security offices cannot issue new or replacement Social Security cards, replace your Medicare card, or issue a proof of income letter.
Will I still receive mail?
Yes—normal deliveries will continue because the U.S. Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for day-to-day operations.
Is MNsure (Minnesota's new health exchange under the Affordable Care Act) up and running?
Yes— you can sign up for the exchanges at MNsure.org, or healthcare.gov. Read more about the Affordable Care Act and how to sign up for health care here.
Are National Parks still open?
No. All national parks, museums, and federal visitor centers are closed.
Will I be able to get food stamps?
Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded through the Recovery Act and from funds that don't expire for another year.
What about WIC?
No money is available to pay the administrative costs of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. But because it's administered by states, there may be state funds available.
Is it still safe to fly?
Yes - Airport security personnel are considered essential. Federal air traffic controllers will remain on the job and airport will continue to operate security checkpoints; delays are possible. Federal inspectors will continue enforcing safety rules.
How is homeland security impacted?
The majority of the Department of Homeland Security's employees have stayed on the job, including uniformed agents and officers at the country's borders and ports of entry, members of the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration officers, Secret Service personnel and other law enforcement agents and officers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees will continue to process green card applications.
What about visas and passports?
The State Department will continue processing foreign applications for visas and U.S. applications for passports, since fees are collected to finance those services. Embassies and consulates overseas will continue to provide services to American citizens.
Are food inspectors still on duty?
The Food and Drug Administration will handle high-risk recalls, but have suspended most routine safety inspections. Federal meat inspections are expected to proceed as usual.
Can I get a new Small Business Loan?
No. While existing loans are honored, new applications will not be accepted during a shutdown.
Do I still have to pay my taxes?
You still have to pay your taxes and file federal tax returns, but the Internal Revenue Service will suspend all audits. The IRS says taxpayer services, including toll-free help lines, will be shut as well.