Will The Government Shutdown Affect You? Here’s What Programs And Services Might Change

WASHINGTON — The federal government is officially in a shutdown as of Wednesday, Oct. 1. This shutdown was expected, as both chambers of Congress and President Donald Trump struggled to come to an agreement on funding bills. Now, many Marylanders are left wondering how this will affect their day-to-day lives until the government reopens.

Direct federal workers, including members of the military, won’t get paid during a federal shutdown and face the most direct consequences. Servicemembers and other essential workers will work without pay during this time period and will receive back pay when the government reopens.

Here is how some other programs may be affected by the shutdown, based on past shutdown guidelines and information released by Maryland representatives:

• Social Security: Social Security checks are automatic and should continue to be released during a shutdown. Updates to the program may be delayed and new applicants may not be processed.
• U.S. Post Office: The Postal Service will operate as usual and mail will continue to be delivered.
• SNAP and WIC: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can continue operating until their funding runs out. Access will depend on the available funds and how long the shutdown lasts. WIC may run out of funds in as little as one week.
• Veterans Affairs: Veterans Affairs medical centers will remain open and benefits will be processed during the shutdown, but recipients may experience slower wait times. Services deemed nonessential, like GI Bill assistance, career transition counseling and outreach, will not be available, and local benefits offices will be closed.
• Federal Grants: The grant portal at grants.gov will be open, but services and responses may be limited.
• Air Travel: People may experience longer wait times at airport security as well as increases in flight delays and cancellations due to staffing challenges, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as well as air traffic controllers, animal and plant inspectors, aviation safety experts and customs officials will be working without pay for the duration of the shutdown.

Congressman Steny Hoyer, who represents Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, said it was a “sad but not surprising day” in a press conference about the shutdown and called out House Speaker Mike Johnson and several members of the Trump administration for their comments on wanting the shutdown to happen as an excuse to cut off spending and traumatize federal employees.

Governor Wes Moore announced support and resources for Maryland workers during the shutdown and gave a press conference on Maryland’s plan to keep programs running.

---

Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.

Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.

Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!