What Services Are Open During the Government Shutdown?
As the shutdown drags on, many basic federal services will increasingly be affected.
To help you understand what's going on in politics and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest…
As the government shutdown drags on, there’s no clear end in sight, as both parties continue to dig in their heels and talk past each other. As things stand now, the federal funding freeze could go on for a few more weeks, possibly into November.
Not all federal services have stopped, for now. Many agencies are open with skeleton crews. But services that are available now are at risk, as agencies exhaust their reserve funds. This possibility will become more likely as the Trump administration increases the number of furloughed federal employees. Many basic services remain operational.
Airports are open, as air traffic control and security workers are “essential” and must report to work, but without full pay. However, these workers are increasingly calling in sick, causing flight delays and long lines at security. Expect this to get worse. Flight cancellations are also possible in the future.
Passport processing continues, but wait times for new and renewed documents may grow longer. Some individual passport offices may be closed.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits will continue. However, expect delays in some services. SNAP and WIC, the low-income food aid programs, are still operating, though with reserve money dwindling, it’s uncertain for how long. If the shutdown lingers, the White House says it will use tariff revenue to fund WIC.
The National Park Service says its sites will be “as accessible as possible,” including park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials. But some park sites may be closed, and services at those that are open may be limited or unavailable.
The U.S. Postal Service is still delivering mail and post offices remain open throughout the shutdown, as the service doesn’t depend on Congress for funding.
Amtrak isn’t immediately affected and trains are running as scheduled, though a prolonged shutdown could have a long-term impact on the rail service.
The Internal Revenue Service remains open, though with limited service. Tax obligations still apply, and the IRS hasn’t announced any deadline extensions. Student loan bills must be paid, and federal student financial aid will be distributed.
Agriculture Department food safety inspectors will remain on the job.
The Department of Veterans Affairs isn’t being hit as hard as many other agencies. Benefits checks will continue to be processed and delivered, and VA medical centers and outpatient clinics will remain open. But VA benefits regional offices are closed.
As the shutdown continues, federal services will increasingly be affected. Information isn’t easy to come by. Agencies have mostly stopped updating websites and social media accounts. Meanwhile, phone centers often aren’t being staffed. For questions, your congressional representative’s office may be the best bet.
This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.
Read more
-
Holiday Tax Scams: 'Tis the Season to be WaryTax Scams Navigating tax tricks of the holiday season may be daunting, but don't let that destroy your festive spirit
-
Metro by T-Mobile Is Giving Away This Samsung Galaxy A16: Which Plans Are Eligible?Metro by T-Mobile is offering free Samsung Galaxy A16 phones on eligible plans right now. Here’s how the deal works.
-
I Drive and Collect Classic Cars: Here’s How I Got StartedAre classic cars a hobby or an investment strategy — or both? Either way, the vintage car scene is much cooler and more affordable than you think.
-
Disney’s Risky Acceptance of AI VideosThe Kiplinger Letter Disney will let fans run wild with AI-generated videos of its top characters. The move highlights the uneasy partnership between AI companies and Hollywood.
-
AI Appliances Aren’t Exciting Buyers…YetThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is being embedded into all sorts of appliances. Now sellers need to get customers to care about AI-powered laundry.
-
What to Expect from the Global Economy in 2026The Kiplinger Letter Economic growth across the globe will be highly uneven, with some major economies accelerating while others hit the brakes.
-
The AI Boom Will Lift IT Spending Next YearThe Kiplinger Letter 2026 will be one of strongest years for the IT industry since the PC boom and early days of the Web in the mid-1990s.
-
Are New Trump $2,000 Stimulus Payments Coming in 2026? What to Know NowTax Policy A promise of $2,000 tariff dividend checks is raising questions and fueling confusion.
-
Amid Mounting Uncertainty: Five Forecasts About AIThe Kiplinger Letter With the risk of overspending on AI data centers hotly debated, here are some forecasts about AI that we can make with some confidence.
-
Worried About an AI Bubble? Here’s What You Need to KnowThe Kiplinger Letter Though AI is a transformative technology, it’s worth paying attention to the rising economic and financial risks. Here’s some guidance to navigate AI’s future.
-
Will AI Videos Disrupt Social Media?The Kiplinger Letter With the introduction of OpenAI’s new AI social media app, Sora, the internet is about to be flooded with startling AI-generated videos.
