Overview
On October 1, the federal government shut down after Congressional Republicans failed to pass a federal budget despite controlling both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. As more information becomes available, this page will be updated to keep Pennsylvanians informed about the impact of the federal shutdown.
It is important to know that in the midst of the federal shutdown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania remains open for business.
Pennsylvania’s state parks, DMVs, and all Commonwealth agencies remain open and state-funded services remain available. You can find contact information for all of our Commonwealth agencies at pa.gov/agencies, and explore Commonwealth services to lower costs, access health care, and more at pa.gov/services.
What to Expect
The Trump Administration determines which federal services are considered essential. Those services they deem essential — including national defense, veterans’ hospitals, and the National Weather Service — continue to operate. As an independent agency, the U.S. Postal Service will also remain operational, but Pennsylvanians may experience delays in rural areas of the Commonwealth due to impacts from a reduced federal workforce. Although these essential services are not shut down, you may encounter potential delays or disruptions.
If you need to visit a federal agency for any reason, please know that their offices in Pennsylvania may be closed or have reduced staffing as a result of the shutdown. It is recommended that you visit the federal agency’s website for more information on their availability or the availability of online services.
National Park Service (NPS) locations in Pennsylvania may be closed to visitors or experience program and staff reductions. If you’re planning to visit an NPS site, visit nps.gov/state/pa for more information.
Federal Benefits and Services
According to guidance received from the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Pennsylvanians receiving Medicare and Social Security will continue to receive their benefits during the federal shutdown.
Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP benefits have received their October benefits loaded on to their EBT cards as scheduled. If the shutdown continues, this page will be updated with any future guidance received from the federal government on SNAP benefits.
Commonwealth resources are available to you as you navigate the impact of the federal shutdown:
If you have questions about your benefits, call 1-800-692-7462 to reach the Pennsylvania DHS’s helpline.
- Find out if you’re eligible for other Commonwealth and community-run food assistance programs here.
- Visit PA 211 to find food assistance, help with utility bills, housing assistance, and more.
WIC will remain operational during a short-term shutdown, and for as long as funding is available. Historically, WIC has been able to maintain their services during short-term federal shutdowns, though benefits may be disrupted absent further Congressional action. Right now, Pennsylvanians receiving WIC benefits should continue to use them and attend scheduled appointments, and eligible Pennsylvanians remain able to apply for benefits. As and if the shutdown continues, this page will be updated with any future guidance received from the federal government.
Commonwealth resources are available to you as you navigate the impact of the federal shutdown:
If you have questions about your benefits, call 1-800-WIC-WINS to reach the Pennsylvania DOH’s helpline.
- Find out if you’re eligible for other Commonwealth and community-run food assistance programs here.
- Visit PA 211 to find food assistance, help with utility bills, housing assistance, and more.
Child Nutrition Programs will continue operating during a short-term shutdown, and are set to remain operational through October. There may be future impacts to these services depending on how long the shutdown lasts and on the contingency plan developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the benefits. If the federal shutdown continues, this page will be updated with any future guidance received from the federal government.
Commonwealth resources are available to you as you navigate the impact of the federal shutdown:
Under Governor Josh Shapiro, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania already provides universal free breakfast to Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million public school students and free lunch to all 22,000 Pennsylvania students eligible for the National School Lunch Program. These meals will not be affected by the federal shutdown.
- Find out if you’re eligible for other Commonwealth and community-run food assistance programs here.
- Visit PA 211 to find food assistance, help with utility bills, housing assistance, and more.
The SBA will stop processing new business loans during the federal shutdown, however the SBA Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations. There will be no loan increase or reinstatement capability until SBA offices reopen.
Commonwealth resources are available to you as you navigate the impact of the federal shutdown:
- The PA Department of Community and Economic Development offers funding and resources for Pennsylvania’s small businesses, and is open for business during the federal shutdown. Visit business.pa.gov for information about state funding available in the absence of federal support.
The U.S. Department of Education will continue to disburse student aid like Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans throughout the federal shutdown, and borrowers are expected to continue making their repayments. Due to staff furloughs at the U.S. Department of Education, borrowers may see delays in trying to resolve issues with their servicer should they occur.
Resources for Federal Employees
Unemployment Compensation
Federal employees who are laid off as a result of the federal government shutdown may file for unemployment benefits. You can file online at benefits.uc.pa.gov — after you log in to file an application, you will receive further instructions specific to the federal shutdown.
You can visit pa.gov/uc/benefits for a detailed FAQ about applying for unemployment compensation during the federal shutdown.
If you’re a furloughed employee, you may still be eligible for unemployment compensation and other benefits. Visit pa.gov/uc/benefits to find out more about your eligibility.