The 2025 government shutdown will affect primarily non-essential federal employees who may face furloughs or temporary unpaid leave, and their first missed paychecks are expected by mid-to-late October. Essential employees, such as military personnel, law enforcement, and air traffic controllers, will continue to work but might face pay delays. Millions of federal workers, including service members, could go without pay during the shutdown. Federal contractors may also be affected, with some not guaranteed back pay. The general public could experience disruptions in government services depending on their nature. Programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will continue but might see delays. Benefit programs, including Veterans Affairs services and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), may face interruptions or delays in service delivery. Some families relying on nutrition programs like WIC could be immediately impacted if funding lapses. National parks and museums may close, and food and safety inspections by agencies like the FDA might be slowed. Overall, the shutdown would have a broad impact, including federal workers, beneficiaries of government assistance, travelers, businesses relying on government services, and general public services ranging from health and safety to cultural institutions.