Updated Oct. 28, 2025, 2:01 p.m. ET

At 12:01 a.m. Eastern on October 1, 2025, the federal government shut down because Congress did not approve funding for Fiscal Year 2026. Many federal agencies and programs that rely on annual funding are paused. Many people with disabilities and their families want to know how this affects benefits and services.

This federal government shutdown, in many ways, is unpredictable. We do not know how long it will last or how agencies will respond.

Bottom line today:

• Social Security payments continue.
• Medicaid and Medicare coverage stay in place. Some casework may slow.
• SNAP and WIC benefits for October were funded. If the shutdown continues, new benefits may come later than usual.

Here is what we know:

• Do Social Security payments continue during a federal shutdown? Yes, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will still be paid. Some services, like appeals or benefit verification letters, may take longer. Local offices may have reduced services.
• Is Medicaid or Medicare affected by a government shutdown? Medicaid and Medicare coverage stays in place. Core operations at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are expected to continue. You should still be able to see your doctor and fill prescriptions. Some non-urgent casework or updates may take longer if the shutdown continues.
• Will SNAP and WIC benefits be paid?
  • SNAP: October benefits were issued. If the shutdown continues, some people may not receive their November benefits on time. Once the government reopens, missed payments will be reimbursed.
  • WIC: Some states may run out of funding for WIC in early November. How long benefits last will depend on your state’s remaining funds.
• Are school meals affected? School meals ran on carryover funds for September and October. If the shutdown lasts longer, reimbursements to schools may be delayed.
• Is HealthCare.gov open? Yes, HealthCare.gov (the ACA Marketplace) continues to operate with eligibility and enrollment. Open enrollment runs Nov. 1–Jan. 15. Outreach, education, and engagement activities may slow or pause.
• Which HHS services slow down during a shutdown? Some Department of Health and Human Services agencies are running with fewer staff. Guidance, oversight, research, and some enforcement may be slower. Head Start is already strained in some communities. Several programs are operating without federal funds, and many more could face a funding cliff by November 1 without action.
• What is happening in education funding and services? Funding continues for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I for now. Districts that rely on current-year funds may see delays in payments until Congress passes new funding. Vocational Rehabilitation programs are operating, but some services or hiring may slow.
• Are disability civil rights still enforced during a shutdown? Yes, your rights remain in place. Some investigations or reviews may be delayed by reduced staffing. This is especially relevant at the Department of Education, where the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has faced severe staffing reductions during the lapse.

What you can do today:

• Check your benefits portal for status updates: mySocialSecurity, your state’s SNAP/WIC site, or HealthCare.gov.
• Keep records of any delays or problems (dates, who you spoke with, notices you received).
• Ask about timing if you rely on SNAP or WIC in November. Your state may post specific dates for when funds will load.
• Bring ID and recent mail to appointments, in case offices ask for extra proof while systems are backlogged.

Why this matters:

People with disabilities rely on programs like Social Security, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, WIC, school meals, housing, special education, and vocational rehabilitation for daily needs, health, and independence. A shutdown creates delays and confusion for families trying to keep benefits and services on track. If the lapse continues, more programs that depend on yearly funding may be disrupted.

We will keep tracking official updates and will share guidance as conditions change.

Written by: Jackie Dilworth, Communications Director
Reviewed by: Katy Neas, CEO, and Julie Ward, Senior Executive Officer of Public Policy