Government Shutdown Resources
At 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, the federal government shut down because the Republican-controlled Congress failed to pass funding legislation.
Senator Coons is working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to negotiate a bill that will reopen the government and prevent health care costs from rising for every American.
In the meantime, Senator Coons' office remains open to help Delawareans. While many federal agencies are closed or limited, our team will do everything we can to help.
Need assistance? Submit a casework request here or call one of our offices:
Wilmington (302) 573-6345
Dover (302) 736-5601
Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5042
What is a Government Shutdown?
Congress must pass funding bills each year by October 1. If it doesn't, federal agencies run out of money. When that happens, many operations pause, federal workers may be furloughed, and programs could face interruptions.
Read more from the Congressional Research Service.
Guidance for federal employees from OPM.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Social Security & SSI: Payments will continue. Expect longer wait times for customer service.
- Medicare & Medicaid: Benefits continue unless the shutdown lasts longer than three months.
- Veterans: VA medical facilities remain open. Some programs like education and housing assistance may be delayed.
- Federal employees: Some are furloughed, others work without pay until funding is restored.
- Military & law enforcement: Required to work without pay. On-base services may be reduced.
- Retiree benefits: Continue, but new applications or changes may be delayed.
- Mail: USPS remains fully operational.
- Food assistance: WIC funding may quickly run out; SNAP could be disrupted if the shutdown lasts long enough.
- Air travel: TSA, CBP, and air traffic controllers will work without pay; delays possible.
- Parks & museums: Some will close or reduce services. Open-air monuments likely remain accessible. Indoor facilities like the Smithsonian museums will be closed.
Key Federal Contacts
- Veterans Affairs:1-800-698-2411
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213
- Department of Defense: (703) 571-3343
- Department of Education: 1-800-421-3481
- Department of Health & Human Services: 1-877-696-6775
- Housing & Urban Development: 1-800-225-5342
- Homeland Security (USCIS): (202) 282-8000
- TSA: (866) 289-9673
- State Department (Passport Emergencies): 1-877-487-2778
- Department of Labor: 1-866-487-2365
- Department of Transportation: (202) 366-4000
The White House has stated the public must visit the individual agency's website to find out their contingency plans.