Congress faces a critical deadline: midnight this Friday. If lawmakers fail to pass a funding bill, the federal government will shut down, leaving many Americans wondering how this will impact their lives.
What Happens During a Federal Government Shutdown?
A federal government shutdown occurs when Congress does not approve funding for government operations. With the House of Representatives failing to pass a short-term spending bill on Thursday, and opposition from key figures such as House Republicans and former President Donald Trump, the likelihood of a shutdown has significantly increased.
Trump criticized the situation, attributing it to a lack of leadership and calling for a more comprehensive resolution within the next month.
If Congress does not act by Friday, December 20, a shutdown will begin. During this period, many federal employees will be furloughed without pay, and several government services will halt until a new budget is approved.
A History of Government Shutdowns
Since the early 1980s, the U.S. government has experienced ten shutdowns. The most recent, and longest, occurred in December 2018, lasting a record 35 days. While shutdowns have been avoided in recent years, the threat of one resurfaces with each funding deadline.
Should a shutdown occur in 2024, certain essential services will continue, while others may face interruptions. Below is an overview of how specific benefits and services could be affected.
Will Social Security Benefits Be Affected?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has contingency plans to ensure that Social Security checks continue during a shutdown. This includes payments for Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
However, delays may occur for:
- Issuing new Social Security cards
- Scheduling appointments for benefit applications
- Customer service responses
Additionally, services such as benefit verifications and overpayment processing will cease entirely.
Will Medicare and Medicaid Continue During a Shutdown?
If you rely on Medicare or Medicaid, you will continue receiving benefits during a government shutdown. According to Virginia Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s office, these programs are funded to persist for some time. However, if the shutdown extends beyond three months—a scenario without historical precedent—benefits could be at risk.
Impact on Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs
Programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face significant funding risks during a shutdown.
- The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is authorized to distribute SNAP benefits for up to 30 days after the shutdown begins.
- Beyond this period, millions of Americans relying on these programs could see their benefits suspended.
Will Air Travel Be Disrupted?
Essential employees in air travel, including air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents, are required to work during a shutdown. However, they will not receive pay during this period, which may lead to absenteeism.
Previous shutdowns have shown that when these employees fail to report to work, it can cause significant delays in air travel operations.
Why Is Congress Struggling to Approve a Budget?
The current standoff stems from disagreements over the debt limit and short-term spending measures. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance opposed an earlier resolution, advocating for either a significant increase or the elimination of the debt ceiling entirely. This stance caused GOP support for the budget to falter, as Trump warned against primary challenges for those who supported the resolution.
The debt ceiling limits how much debt the U.S. Treasury can incur to meet obligations. Although the limit was raised in 2023, current negotiations have stalled over whether to increase it again.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the situation, accusing GOP members of pushing Democrats to raise the debt ceiling while planning to cut Social Security benefits in the future.
| Service | Impact During Shutdown |
|---|---|
| Social Security Checks | Payments continue; delays in issuing new cards and applications |
| Medicare/Medicaid | Benefits continue; long-term shutdowns could pose risks |
| Nutrition Programs (SNAP, WIC) | Funded for 30 days; benefits may cease afterward |
| Air Travel | Essential employees work unpaid; potential delays in operations |
FAQs
1. Will Social Security checks stop during a government shutdown?
No, Social Security checks will continue to be distributed. However, some services, such as new card issuance, may face delays.
2. How long can SNAP benefits last during a government shutdown?
SNAP benefits are authorized for up to 30 days from the start of a shutdown. Funding beyond this period is uncertain.
3. Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be interrupted?
These benefits will continue during a shutdown. However, an extended shutdown could pose risks to their availability.
4. What happens to air travel during a shutdown?
Air travel operations will continue, but unpaid essential workers may cause delays due to potential absenteeism.
5. Why is Congress struggling to pass a funding bill?
Disagreements over the debt ceiling and budget priorities have caused delays, with opposition from key political figures like Donald Trump complicating negotiations.
