As of October 1, the federal government is shut down.
Senator Slotkin is working in a bipartisan way to reopen the government as soon as possible, and her office will remain open during the shutdown to assist Michiganders.
Senator Slotkin’s office will continue to process constituent requests for help with a federal agency. However, many federal agencies are operating with reduced staff, and some departments are closed. This means there could be significant delays in resolving issues, and some cases may not receive a response until after the federal government reopens.
If you need help with a federal agency, please submit a request here. Or you can call my office at 202-224-4822.
Senator Slotkin’s office will not be able to process requests for flags or tours during the shutdown.
RESOURCES FOR WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE SHUTDOWN
Federal employees should monitor the Office of Personnel Management’s website for updates and furlough guidance.
Different organizations offer assistance to federal employees affected by the shutdown. For example, both the Federal Credit Union and USAA offer a number of loan and credit options for their members. You should check with your financial institutions and utility companies to see if they offer assistance.
If you are a furloughed employee, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. For assistance filing for unemployment insurance benefits, employees can visit this webpage or call the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency at 866-500-0017.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m a federal employee or service member. Will I receive a paycheck?
All federal employees are guaranteed back pay once the federal government reopens, thanks to Senator Slotkin’s efforts during the 2018-2019 shutdown to secure passage of legislation to guarantee back pay for federal employees for that and all future shutdowns.
All service members will receive back pay, but paycheck deposits will be delayed. If you live in base housing, your services will remain intact. Schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will remain open. On-base Child Development Centers will close on a case-by-case basis. Please check for closures.
What will happen to my Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
If you receive Social Security or SSI, you will continue to receive your benefits during the shutdown. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop benefit verifications and processing of overpayments. Local Social Security offices may be closed to in-person service, so you should check local office closures on the Social Security website before visiting.
What will happen to my Medicare or Medicaid benefits?
Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, you may not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and benefit verifications could stop.
What will happen to my veterans’ benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will continue to process and deliver benefits to veterans, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. There will be no impact to VA health care. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open. VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1) are open 24/7. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue to process appeals. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
Regional VA benefits offices may be closed, and regular operations such as career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance may not be available.
Will I be able to get a new passport or renew my passport during the shutdown?
The U.S. Passport Agency will remain open during the shutdown and will continue to process requests for passports, but there could be significant delays.
If I have an interview or appointment with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), should I attend?
Yes. Biometrics appointments and interviews continue to be scheduled and conducted.
I have a pending application with USCIS. Will it continue to be processed?
USCIS will continue to operate as usual, including accepting and adjudicating immigration-related applications and petitions, but there may be some delays.
I need help with the IRS. Are they open?
The IRS plans to keep all its employees working during a possible government shutdown for a few days by tapping into billions of dollars in multi-year modernization funds.
The entire workforce will still report to work at least for a few days, but longer term could see some disruptions.
For detailed guidance from the IRS, click here.
How is the Small Business Administration (SBA) impacted during a shutdown?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) may not approve new small business loans or modify existing loans for the 7(a) and 504 programs. You can still apply for loans through SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, but there may be delays.
Will I receive mail through the U.S. Postal Service?
Yes, mail through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will continue throughout the shutdown.
What happens to my food assistance benefits?
During a prolonged shutdown, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could be at risk.
I have flights booked for an upcoming trip. How will this affect my travel?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials operating ports of entry are considered essential workers and will report to work. Ports of entry–including airports–will remain open, and inspection of noncitizens seeking to enter the U.S. will continue.
TSA agents and Air Traffic Controllers are also deemed essential workers and will be required to report to work and work without pay until the government reopens. Travelers may expect longer wait times at TSA checkpoints.
I am a United States citizen living abroad. Will the local United States embassy be open?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, United States embassies remained open to some degree, but U.S. citizens living abroad should prepare for delays in any application or processing requests, as staff furloughs may occur.
Please note, hours of operation and service impacts may vary at each facility. You can check which embassies and consulates may be impacted here.