GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN RESOURCES
President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have forced us into a government shutdown as of October 1, 2025. Republicans have decided that they would rather shut down the government than help Americans afford health care.
Unfortunately, a government shutdown will have an impact on thousands of federal workers, and their families, across California.
My offices will remain open to Californians during this time. Please find answers to common questions about a government shutdown below. If you need assistance, please contact our office here and find available services here.
RESOURCES FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES IN CALIFORNIA:
Federal employees can visit www.opm.gov to find more guidance from the U.S. Office of Personal management. Please click here to find more guidance from OPM.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act requires Federal employees who are furloughed or required to work during a shutdown to be compensated for the period of the lapse. After the Federal government shutdown ends, all employees must be paid immediately for the time lapsed.
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN FAQs:
I’M A FEDERAL WORKER THAT WAS LAID OFF. WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
- California federal workers that were laid off or affected by a government shutdown may apply for benefits HERE.
WILL I STILL RECEIVE MY MEDICARE AND/OR MEDICAID BENEFITS?
- Yes, recipients will still receive benefits, however, you will not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and benefit verifications will stop.
- More information HERE.
WILL I STILL RECEIVE MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS?
- Yes, recipients will continue to receive Social Security benefits and SSI checks.
- More information HERE.
WILL I STILL RECEIVE MY VETERANS’ BENEFITS?
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. Certain services will still be available during the government shutdown – but not all.
- More information HERE.
WILL SNAP/WIC BENEFITS BE IMPACTED?
- Yes, USDA will continue to administer the SNAP/WIC operations, subject to funding availability.
- More information HERE.
- Californians can find a food bank near them HERE.
WILL HEAD START PROGRAMS CLOSE?
- Most Head Start programs are not expected to be impacted by the Federal shutdown.
CAN I STILL GET A NEW PASSPORT DURING A SHUTDOWN?
- Yes, passport applications will continue to be processed, but please note, response times may be longer than usual.
- You can reach out to my office for passport assistance HERE.
WILL CALIFORNIA NATIONAL PARKS REMAIN OPEN?
- National Park closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis.
- More information HERE.
WILL FEMA BE INTERRUPTED DURING A SHUTDOWN?
- Per The Department of Homeland Security, the majority of FEMA employees will be retained during a shutdown.
- Disaster Relief Fund activities, including response and recovery activities authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (“The Stafford Act”), will continue.
- More information HERE.