By Aastha Raj

Copyright indiatimes

TIL CreativesFederal Government Shutdown 2025: What stays open, and closed and will Social Securiy payments stop?

With just days left before the October 1 deadline, the United States is once again staring at the possibility of a federal government shutdown as U.S. President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats remain at an impasse over spending.A shutdown is not new in American politics. Since 1977, there have been 21 partial closures of the federal government, lasting a combined 162 days. Yet the looming standoff carries fresh concerns, with reports suggesting that permanent layoffs, rather than temporary furloughs, may be on the table this time.At stake are millions of federal workers, critical public services, and the daily lives of ordinary Americans. Here is a closer look at what a shutdown means and what remains open or closed if the impasse is not resolved.Essential services to continueA government shutdown halts operations for all federal agencies and programs deemed “non-essential.” However, critical services continue to function.Air traffic control, the U.S. Postal Service, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security payments are considered essential and are insulated from appropriations disputes. Similarly, military operations continue, although uniformed personnel may face pay delays.Live EventsTransportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controllers also remain on duty, but without pay. Past shutdowns have shown that unpaid shifts often result in staffing shortages, longer lines at airports, and delays in flights.Impact on national parks and public spacesOne of the most visible consequences of a federal government shutdown is its effect on national parks and monuments.During the record 35-day shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019, several parks closed completely, while others remained open but without visitor services such as trash collection and custodial care. Damage to sites and overflowing litter made headlines nationwide.The National Park Service contingency plan suggests that most parks will be closed to the public in the event of another lapse in funding. Some state governments may step in to keep parks partially open, but services would be minimal.Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid remain safeFor millions of Americans dependent on government benefits, the biggest concern is whether their lifelines will be interrupted.The Social Security Administration, which pays out about USD 1.6 trillion annually to 72 million beneficiaries, will continue to send checks, as the program falls under mandatory spending. Similarly, Medicare and Medicaid, which together cover over 140 million Americans, are unaffected in terms of benefits.However, staffing shortages could affect customer service, processing of new applications, and administrative tasks.Federal workers face uncertaintyTraditionally, federal workers placed on furlough during shutdowns have received back pay once funding was restored. But this time, the Office of Management and Budget has asked agencies to prepare plans that could involve permanent layoffs.This has caused anxiety among civil servants, many of whom remember the financial hardships faced during the 2018-19 shutdown when missed paychecks forced some into debt. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused the White House of using the threat of layoffs to “intimidate” workers.Food assistance and SNAP benefitsThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is also considered mandatory spending. But its operations are not immune to shutdowns.Under current rules, the Department of Agriculture can continue issuing benefits only for 30 days after a shutdown begins. In the 2018-19 shutdown, February payments were issued early, but had the standoff continued, March benefits would not have been funded.This creates uncertainty for nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the program.Airline travel and the wider economyWhile airplanes continue to fly during a shutdown, disruptions in staffing can create ripple effects across the travel sector. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that shutdown-related travel disruptions cost the economy nearly USD 1 billion per week.During the last major shutdown, some TSA checkpoints closed and air travel at New York’s LaGuardia airport was temporarily halted due to staff shortages. Museums and cultural institutions funded by federal money also closed, further affecting tourism.How long could a shutdown last?The duration of shutdowns depends on political negotiations. The most recent, from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019, lasted 35 days, making it the longest in U.S. history.Other notable shutdowns include a 21-day closure during President Bill Clinton’s tenure in 1995-96. The average duration of shutdowns since 1977 has been about eight days.As the October 1 deadline approaches, President Trump is set to meet congressional leaders in an attempt to reach a deal. Without compromise, Americans may once again face the disruptions and uncertainties of a government shutdown.FAQsWill Social Security checks stop if there is a federal government shutdown? No. Social Security payments will continue as usual, though administrative services may face delays.Will air travel be affected during the shutdown? Flights will operate, but TSA and FAA workers may not be paid. Staffing shortages could result in longer security lines and delays.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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