A government shutdown affects citizens in several ways, primarily through disruptions to federal services and programs. Federal employees may be furloughed or required to work without pay, national parks and certain public services may close or operate with limited capacity, and delays can occur in air travel, passport processing, and social safety net programs. Essential services like national security, emergency medical care, and air traffic control continue but often without immediate compensation for workers, leading to potential service disruptions. Additionally, nutritional assistance programs for vulnerable populations may face funding shortages, and delays in federal courts, housing assistance, and environmental inspections can occur.

Impact on Federal Employees and Paychecks

Approximately 40% of the federal workforce, around 800,000 workers, may be furloughed without pay during a shutdown. Essential workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA personnel, must continue working but without compensation until funding is restored. Military personnel continue their duties but will also face delayed paychecks. Contractors generally do not receive back pay.

Public Service and Travel Disruptions

Travelers may experience longer security lines, flight delays, and disruptions in passport and visa processing. National parks may close or operate with minimal staffing, sometimes leading to maintenance issues. Postal services continue normally because the USPS is self-funded. Routine inspections by the FDA and EPA are often halted, which can affect public health and environmental safety.

Social Safety Nets and Vulnerable Populations

Programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may face urgent funding limits, threatening food assistance for low-income families. Some social security benefits continue, but services such as benefit verification and customer support may be disrupted. Medicaid and housing assistance programs could also be impacted if the shutdown prolongs.

Emergency and Essential Services

Essential services related to national security, law enforcement, emergency medical care, disaster response, and power grid maintenance continue to operate during a shutdown, though they may face operational challenges and delays in non-urgent work.