Government Shutdown
As of October 1st, the federal government has shut down.
Senator Gillibrand is hard at work on a commonsense, bipartisan solution to reopen the government — and her office will remain open to assist New Yorkers throughout the shutdown.
If you are a New Yorker who needs help from a federal government agency, open a case with our office now:
Because of the shutdown, many federal agencies will be operating with significantly reduced staff, so we anticipate delays in processing and resolving any issues. But we will do everything we can to assist you during and after the shutdown.
Here’s what we currently know about how the shutdown will affect New York families:
What will happen to my Social Security / Medicare / Medicaid benefits?
Social Security checks and Medicare coverage will continue through the shutdown. However, we anticipate delays in processing and resolving any issues with the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
We anticipate that families who rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will continue to receive coverage. If you have questions about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage, contact your local department of social services or call the toll-free OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
I’m a veteran — what will happen to my health care and benefits?
Veterans will continue to receive their health care and pensions throughout the shutdown.
What will happen to my food assistance?
Families who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are at risk of imminently losing their food assistance.
We anticipate that families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue receiving their food assistance in the short term, but funding may run out if the shutdown continues for several weeks.
If you have questions about your WIC or SNAP benefits, contact your local department of social services or call the toll-free OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
If your family needs food, you can find food pantries throughout New York State and New York City.
I’m a federal employee or service member — where can I get help?
Over 54,000 federal civilian employees — and at least 46,000 service members — live and work in New York State. Virtually all of them have either been furloughed or forced to work without pay indefinitely.
We know that many families and federal employees can’t afford to miss a single paycheck. If your family needs food, you can find food pantries throughout New York State and New York City.
If you are a federal employee or active-duty service member, you should have already received guidance about your duties during this shutdown. Reach out directly to your employing agency or service branch for specific questions about your pay and benefits. If you need any assistance resolving issues with your pay and benefits after the shutdown, open a case with our office.
Can I still fly domestically and internationally, or drive across the land border to Canada?
You will still be able to fly during the shutdown, but we anticipate significant delays and longer wait times for travelers across the country. Land border crossings to Canada will also remain open, but again, we anticipate longer wait times. Allow for additional time when making your travel plans.
The State Department will continue issuing passports and visas, but backlogs from earlier this year could increase. In addition, some passport locations could be closed during the shutdown. We encourage you to apply for new and renewal passports well in advance of your planned travel date. If you need help with a visa or passport issue, open a case with our office.
We know this shutdown will have far-reaching effects on our state and our entire country, and we will do everything we can to assist you throughout the shutdown.