Senator Elizabeth Warren is focused on serving the people of Massachusetts and, as part of her constitutional duties, is continuing to assist constituents with issues relating to federal agencies during this government shutdown. Contact information for her offices in Washington, D.C. and throughout Massachusetts is available here. For help with a federal agency, see here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will Social Security benefits still be delivered?

Yes, recipients will continue to receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks.

Will I still receive my Medicare and/or Medicaid benefits?

Yes, Medicare and Medicaid recipients will still have access to health care and benefits. However, you will not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and benefit verifications will stop.

What happens to SNAP/WIC benefits?

At this time, WIC and SNAP are operating as normal in Massachusetts. There is no impact on school meals.

What happens to veterans' benefits?

Access to most VA benefits should remain unaffected. Local VA benefits regional offices will be closed and the VA will cease providing transition program assistance and career counseling, but VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered for all veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.

Emergency Financial Resources for Veterans:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts — To apply for veterans' benefits in Massachusetts, you should contact your community's Veterans Service Officer (VSO). There is a VSO assigned to every city and town in Massachusetts.

Veterans of Foreign Wars – Financial Assistance for Service Members designed to help active-duty service members, including activated Guard/Reserve members, and their families. The program provides financial assistance of up to $2,500.

USA Cares Emergency Assistance Program — Veterans can apply for cash grants to help cover basic monthly bills such as rent or utilities.

American Legion – Temporary financial assistance designed to help families with minor children by providing cash grants to pay for housing, utilities, food, and medical expenses. Learn if you're eligible.

How is service members' pay affected?

Active duty service members, including the Coast Guard, will receive their October 15 paycheck.

I am a service member or government employee in need of financial assistance. Are there any resources for me and my family?

Yes, below are some resources for service members, federal civilian workers, and contractors:

Navy Federal Credit Union — Eligible service members, federal government employees, and federal government contractors paid directly by the federal government may be eligible for a loan with zero interest or fees. You can verify your eligibility here.

United Services Automobile Association (USAA) — Members who are both employed by an affected federal agency and have received an eligible direct deposit into a USAA checking or savings account within 30 days of the start of the shutdown will be able to apply for a zero-interest loan. You can verify your eligibility here.

PenFed Credit Union — Members may qualify for a zero-interest paycheck protection loan and other assistance. You can verify your eligibility here.

Andrews Federal Credit Union — Members may be eligible for loans, penalty-free share certificate withdrawals, skip-a-payment programs and other assistance with loan programs. You can learn more here.

Families facing financial hardship can also reach out to their Service Aid Society to apply for a grant or a no-interest loan. Please note, service members are expected to receive their October 15th paycheck. 

Air Force Aid Society — AFAS is currently not accepting applications for financial assistance related to the government shutdown since October 15 paychecks are expected to be paid. Learn more here.

Army Emergency Relief — AER continues to process applications for an interest-free loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck, up to a maximum of $6,000, for service members and families affected by the shutdown.

Borrowers must repay the full amount within 30 days, beginning on Oct. 30, after they receive back pay following the government shutdown. You can verify your eligibility here.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance — Given the confirmation that service members will receive their October 15 paycheck, applications submitted by active-duty service members will stay in their current status, but no funds will be sent at this time.

CGMA can provide interest-free loans to help with important needs like food, rent, utilities and childcare. Members may borrow up to their monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as needed. Learn more here.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society — Offices will be open during normal hours to help active-duty and retired Sailors, Marines, and their families affected by the shutdown. Members may be eligible for financial assistance and interest-free loans. You can learn more here.

How will Head Start programs be affected?

Most Head Start programs are not expected to be affected during the shutdown.

What happens to federal student loans during a shutdown?

The Department of Education will continue to disburse student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans. Student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt.

Staff at the Department of Education may be furloughed, delaying assistance with federal student loans.

Will I still receive USPS mail?

Yes, the U.S. Postal Service will continue operations as normal.

How will TSA security be affected at the airport?

Most TSA airport personnel and FAA air traffic controllers will continue working, without pay, during a shutdown.

There may still be staffing shortages at airports, causing longer-than-usual security lines, so please plan to arrive early for any travel.

Can I still get a new passport during a shutdown?

Passport applications will continue to be processed, but please note, response times may be longer than usual.

How will federal mortgage loans be affected?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will have limited staff during a shutdown, which may delay the processing or closing of FHA-insured mortgages. While FHA will continue to make endorsements for single-family loans, endorsements under the Home Equity Conversion mortgage program, Title I Manufactured Home Mortgage program, and most loans for multifamily mortgages will halt until the government reopens. All USDA mortgage lending for single- and multi-family housing in rural areas will cease.

Housing Resources: 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) maintains a nationwide network of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. You can find a housing counseling agency in your area here, however, their services may be limited.

In Massachusetts, the RAFT Program provides short-term emergency funding to help with various housing needs and emergencies. For more information, constituents can reach the referral hotline at 211 or at (877) 211-6277.

You can also use the Resource Locator from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) to find more information on emergency shelter assistance, community action agencies, and legal help by filtering by town and municipalities. EOHLC can be reached at (617) 573-1100.

Will there be a change in my immigration process?

Passport and visa operations should remain unaffected by a government shutdown. Immigration benefit applications should also continue to be processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How will small businesses be affected?

During a shutdown, the U.S. Small Business Administration will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans, including 7(a) and 504 loans, for small businesses.

Small Business Development Centers may remain open but with limited assistance to offer small business support:

State office: Tilson House | (413) 545-6301

Regional offices:

Berkshire Region: Berkshires Innovation Center: (413) 545-8070

Central Region: Clark University: (508) 793-7615

Greater Boston Region: Mount Ida Campus UMass Amherst: (413) 545-1988

Northeast Region: Salem State University: (978) 542-6343

Southwest Region: (508) 673-9783

Western Region: UMass Amherst Center at Springfield Tower Square: (413) 577-1768

Specialty Centers: Massachusetts Export Center: (617) 973-6610

Specialty Centers: Government Sales Advisory Program: (508) 870-3193

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: (774) 203-9972

*Small business owners can also consult with the Massachusetts Office of Economic Development for support and their active list of resources through MassDevelopment.

Will there be any impact on taxes?

The government shutdown does not change federal tax laws, rates, deductions or credits. Deadlines for filing returns and making payments will remain the same.

But the IRS has furloughed many customer service staff, which may delay response times, including for tax refunds.

I am worried about utility assistance. Are there any resources regarding that?

The National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition has compiled a Resource Directory that includes a list of Nonprofit Fuel Funds and Utility Assistance Programs in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities offers financial assistance for electric and gas bills for eligible individuals, including if your household income does not exceed 60% of the state median income. Find out if you’re eligible here.

I am in need of financial assistance. Will I still have access to resources during a government shutdown?

Yes, below is a list of programs for eligible individuals:

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) is an economic assistance program that helps eligible pregnant individuals, families and caregivers with cash benefits. You can verify your eligibility here.

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers eligible low-income individuals and families by providing cash benefits, food assistance (SNAP benefits), and workforce training opportunities. You can verify your eligibility here.

Will tours in D.C. still be available?

Please refer to our Visiting D.C. / Tours page for more information about the status of tours.