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Navigating a Government Shutdown

DISCLAIMER: As of 12:01 AM on October 1, we are currently in a government shutdown. To help you navigate this shutdown, my office has prepared answers to frequently asked questions and we will do our best to consistently update this page. Please contact our office for assistance, or reach out to the federal agency you need assistance from to get the most up to date information on federal operations.

Your Guide to Staying Informed During the Potential 2025 Government Shutdown

As you know, unfortunately, the government is now in a shutdown due to Congressional Republicans' inaction to fund the government and keep operations open as they push a partisan spending bill that will cause health care costs to soar.

I am working to keep critical services up and running for families in our community while lowering health care costs. Democrats have made clear that we support government funding legislation that cancels the cuts, lowers the cost, and saves health care for the American people.

As your Member of Congress, I want to ensure you have the information you need regarding any potential 2025 federal government shutdown and how it might affect you. Below are some frequently asked questions about a shutdown and key information you need to know.

What does this mean for you?

Office of Rep. Maxwell Frost:

Regardless of a government shutdown, our office will remain open to assist you.
Our Resource Guides are available 24/7 for you and your loved ones.
Constituents of Florida’s 10th Congressional District who need assistance can submit their request here, or reach one of our caseworkers from 9-5pm, Mon-Fri, at (321)-388-9808. Please note, we will have a reduced ability to assist constituents depending on what Federal Agencies are deemed as essential employees.
If you have a comment or would like to share how this shutdown is impacting you, please send us a message, or reach out to our D.C. office, 9-5pm, Mon-Fri, at (202)-225-2176.

U.S. Postal Service:

Post Offices will remain open, and mail delivery will continue.

Food Assistance Programs:

On November 1st, food assistance for 40 million people will run out of funding if the government shutdown continues. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administered through the Florida Department of Children and Families is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a federal agency whose funding is affected by the federal government shutdown. You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time.
Food banks may be immediately affected as funding through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) will not be delivered, leaving them potentially short of food.

Social Security:

Social Security checks will be mailed out as usual. This process is automated and remains unaffected by a potential shutdown.
However, new applications and folks needing to update their information may experience delays.
For inquiries about your application, please contact my District Office at (321)-388-9808.

Medicare / Medicaid:

Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months.
Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.

Veterans:

VA services will still be available, the Orlando VA Medical Center will remain open.
Please note that VA call centers and hotlines will be temporarily closed, and Veterans Benefits Administration public contact services will not be available.
There may be reports of minor delays in receiving discharge documentation necessary to process loan applications.

Travel:

Air travel should generally not be affected, but you may experience some longer times at TSA, or delays/cancellations due to staffing issues. TSA, Air Traffic Controllers, and Customs and Border Protection agents will continue their operations.
However, all aviation security workers – air traffic controllers, animal and plant inspectors, aviation safety experts, Customs and Border Patrol officials, and Transportation Security Agency officers are working without pay.
Passport application processing and issuance may experience significant delays.
Online applications for TSA PreCheck are being accepted, but the Department of Homeland Security suspends Global Entry applications during the shutdown.

FEMA:

FEMA staff will continue to respond to emergencies. In prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

Federal Grants and Business Opportunities:

You are encouraged to always submit your grant application ahead of the deadline.
The Grants.gov is operational; however, there may be limited staff to provide assistance depending on the agency.
The Grants.gov Contact Center phone number is 1-800-518-GRANTS, and email Support@Grants.gov.
Small Business Administration Loans’ processing and adjudication will be impacted.

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS):

USCIS is fee-funded, so it remains open and continues to process applications. You should attend interviews and appointments as scheduled.

Military Personnel:

Active-duty military personnel will not be affected and will continue their duties as usual.
Civilian employees and training operations may experience disruptions.

Public Housing Assistance:

Some rental voucher assistance programs like Section 8 will continue unimpeded where an existing contract is in place, and previously obligated tenant assistance will be paid out.
However, new funds will not be obligated and waivers for troubled assets in the program will not be processed.
Public Housing Authorities are not required to cease issuing vouchers during a shutdown, and may continue to do so based on their financial ability.
In prior shutdowns, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) stopped insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stopped processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) also stopped new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans.

Student Loans:

Federal Direct Student Loans can continue to be obligated and make disbursement during a shutdown, but only as long as carryover and mandatory appropriations last. Department staff needed to carry out and support these functions would also be significantly reduced.
The Department estimates Free Applications for Student Aids (FAFSA), Pell Grant and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing of federal student loans could continue for a “very limited time” under a shutdown.

National Parks:

The Department of Interior intends to keep some parks and open-air memorials open, though it's recommended to verify their status before visiting.
Indoor facilities like the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, the Smithsonian Museums, and the National Gallery of Art will be closed.

Federal Employees:

Agencies will determine "essential personnel" on a case-by-case basis. Those classified as such will still be required to work.
In 2013, legislation was passed to ensure all federal workers receive their full pay during a shutdown.
Some federal agencies may temporarily close, potentially affecting state and local agencies receiving federal funds.

Visiting Washington D.C.:

Some popular attractions may be affected. We encourage you to reach out to the office of the attraction you’re interested in visiting for more information.
Capitol tours will not be offered. If you've booked a tour through our office and wish to reschedule, please contact us at (202) 225-2176.

Need Assistance?

In these challenging times, your engagement and vigilance are more vital than ever. Together, we can work towards a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of all Americans.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (202) 225-2176 with any questions or concerns.

Get Help from Our Caseworkers: Constituent Services Request Form

Call My Office: (321)-388-9808

Not in FL-10 (Central Florida/Orlando)?: Find Your Representative on House.gov