Updated Oct. 15, 2025, 9:32 a.m. ET

At 12:01 a.m. Eastern today, the federal government shut down because Congress did not approve funding for Fiscal Year 2026 beginning October 1, 2025. Since Congress did not pass the budget legislation, many federal government agencies and programs that rely on annual funding will be paused. Many people with disabilities and their families want to know how this affects benefits and services.

This federal government shutdown, in many ways, is unpredictable. We do not know how long it will last, how agencies will use their flexibilities, and how they will respond with limited staff capacity.

Bottom line today:

• Social Security payments continue.
• Medicaid and Medicare coverage stay in place. Some casework may slow.
• October SNAP benefits are expected. A longer shutdown adds uncertainty for later months.

Here is what we know:

• Do Social Security payments continue during a federal shutdown? Yes, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will still be paid. The Social Security Administration has confirmed payments continue during a shutdown. Some customer service or appeals may take longer if the shutdown lasts. People calling in to request benefit verification letters may also experience issues.
• Is Medicaid or Medicare affected by a government shutdown? Medicaid and Medicare coverage stays in place. Core operations at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are expected to continue. A prolonged shutdown may slow some casework or updates.
• Will SNAP and WIC benefits be paid during a shutdown? Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for October are expected to be issued. If the shutdown continues, later payments could face delays. WIC may also be affected during a prolonged shutdown.
• Is HealthCare.gov open during a shutdown? Yes, HealthCare.gov (the ACA Marketplace) continues to operate with eligibility and enrollment. Outreach, education, and engagement activities may slow or pause.
• Which HHS services slow down during a shutdown? Some Department of Health and Human Services agencies will operate with fewer staff. Guidance, oversight, research, and some enforcement may be slower.
• Are disability civil rights still enforced during a shutdown? Yes, civil rights enforcement continues. Some investigations or reviews may be delayed by reduced staffing. This is particularly true for the Department of Education, which laid off nearly it’s entire staff in the Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services.

Why this matters:
People with disabilities rely on these programs for daily needs, health, and independence. Even a short shutdown can cause delays and confusion when families seek answers about benefits or protections. There may also be disruptions in access to other federal programs that depend on yearly federal appropriations.

We will keep tracking official updates and will share guidance as conditions change.

Written by: Jackie Dilworth, Communications Director
Reviewed by: Katy Neas, CEO, and Julie Ward, Senior Executive Officer of Public Policy