The government shutdown affects individuals in multiple ways depending on their interactions with federal services. Key impacts include:
- Federal employees and active-duty military personnel will miss paychecks until the shutdown ends, although they eventually receive back pay. Many federal workers will be furloughed and not working during the shutdown, affecting their income immediately.
- Air travelers may face longer security lines and flight delays due to air traffic controllers and TSA workers being required to work without pay, leading some to call in sick as seen in prior shutdowns. Passport processing may also slow down.
- National parks and federally funded sites may be partially or fully closed or under-maintained, impacting recreation and tourism plans.
- Certain assistance programs such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits continue, but their application processing and other services could be delayed. Supplemental nutrition programs for vulnerable populations may face funding cuts if the shutdown lasts long.
- Law enforcement, emergency medical care, and disaster aid services continue but may experience disruptions due to operating without pay.
- Many federal administrative services including case processing at federal agencies, housing assistance, immigration hearings, and issuance of some official documents may be delayed or halted.
- The shutdown can broadly affect the economy, as federal spending is delayed and some private businesses connected to federal activities see reduced income.
In summary, the shutdown disrupts federal employee pay, delays or reduces some government services, can impact travel plans, and delays benefits and assistance programs, all while essential safety and security services carry on with limited disruptions.
