Help & Resources for Those Affected by the Government Shutdown

LAST UPDATED: November 1, 2025 (10:00 AM ET)

We are now 32 days into the federal government shutdown. If your paycheck has stopped, you are a contractor in limbo, or you rely on federal benefits, you are not alone. This page collects verified resources and up-to-date information for this ongoing crisis.

CRITICAL ALERT: November 1 SNAP & WIC Funding

As of November 1, 2025, federal funding for SNAP (food stamps) and WIC has lapsed. Benefits for November will not be issued on time. Many states report benefits are suspended indefinitely.

ACTION: Do not wait. Go to your local food bank today. Use the food bank locators below or call 211 to find immediate food assistance.

What to Do First (If You Haven’t Already)

File for Unemployment: File a claim with your state’s unemployment office. Most furloughed federal workers are eligible. Do this *now* as processing takes time.
Contact All Lenders: Call your mortgage lender, auto loan provider, credit card companies, and student loan servicer. State that you are a furloughed federal worker and ask for “hardship” or “forbearance” programs.
Call Utility Companies: Call your electric, gas, water, and internet providers. Many have shutdown-specific payment plans or will halt shut-offs.
Locate Your Food Bank: Call 211 or use the locators below. With SNAP suspended, food banks are the primary source of food aid.

Food Assistance & Nutrition Programs

With SNAP funding now lapsed, immediate food aid is the top priority. See the full list of national and state resources below.

Best All-in-One Resource

United Way 211

Dial 211 or use the online tool to find the closest food pantries, meal sites, and utility assistance. This is the best place to start.

Top National Network

Feeding America Food Bank Finder

The largest U.S. network. Enter your ZIP code to find local food pantries and meal programs in all 50 states.

Financial, Credit & Housing Hardship

You have now missed one or two paychecks. Contacting lenders is critical.

Federal Credit Unions

Navy Federal, PenFed, USAA Relief

These institutions have specific programs. Look for “Furlough Relief Loans” (often 0% APR) or “Payment Deferrals” on their websites. Call them.

Credit Counseling

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

Connect with non-profit credit counselors who can help you manage debt and talk to lenders on your behalf. Many services are free.

Housing & Housing

HUD State Offices

Contact your local public housing authority for information on rental aid or eviction moratoriums for furloughed workers.

Utilities, Healthcare & Prescriptions

Energy & Water Bills

Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help with energy bills. Also, call your local utility providers *directly* to ask about emergency moratoriums.

Prescription Savings

GoodRx & NeedyMeds

Use GoodRx to find free coupons for prescriptions. NeedyMeds helps you find Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) from drug manufacturers.

Health Insurance

Healthcare.gov Marketplace

If you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be eligible for a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) to enroll in a new plan.

Federal Employee & Union Aid

Specific resources for furloughed federal employees and contractors.

Official OPM Guidance

OPM Furlough Guidance

The official hub from the Office of Personnel Management on pay, leave, and status for federal employees.

Union Relief Funds

AFGE & Other Unions

If you are a union member (like AFGE, NTEU, etc.), check their website *immediately*. Many have established relief funds or hardship grants.

TSA & Airport Workers

Airport Food Pantries

Many major airports (check your local news) now have food pantries set up by unions or local charities specifically for TSA and other affected airport staff.

Legal & Small Business Resources

Resources for civil legal issues, contractors, and small businesses impacted by frozen loans and contracts.

Civil Legal Issues

Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

If you are facing eviction, foreclosure, or other civil legal issues due to lost income, use this tool to find a free local legal aid clinic in your area.

Federal Contractors

Professional Services Council (PSC)

The PSC provides guidance and advocacy for federal contractors. Contractors are not guaranteed back pay, so contact your employer for your status.

Small Business (SBA)

SBA Loan Processing: FROZEN

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is shut down. All processing for new SBA-backed business loans and disaster loans is frozen until funding is restored.

Student Loan Relief

Federal Student Loans

StudentAid.gov

Log in to your account to apply for forbearance (a temporary pause) or switch to an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan, which could lower your payment to $0.

Family & Pet Support

Infant Needs

National Diaper Bank Network

Use this directory to find a local diaper bank. For formula, contact your local WIC office for emergency guidance or call 211.

Pet Food & Supplies

Local Humane Society & Food Pantries

Many local Humane Society chapters and Meals on Wheels programs run pet food pantries. Call your local food bank as well, as many now offer pet food.

Local Deals & Furlough Freebies

Many local businesses and cultural centers are offering free or discounted services. You must have your federal ID.

Free Community Meals

World Central Kitchen & Local Chefs

In major federal areas (like D.C.), José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen often activates to serve free, hot meals. Check their site and local news for locations.

How to Find Deals

Check Your Local News

Search “furlough freebies” or “shutdown deals” on your local news site. They are the best at compiling lists of local restaurants and museums offering freebies.

Public Services & Park Closures

Information for the general public on what is closed or affected.

National Parks Status

National Park Service (NPS)

All National Parks are closed or unstaffed. This includes park roads, visitor centers, and restrooms. Check the official NPS site for status.

Museums & Research

Smithsonian Museums & National Zoo

All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed. Check their websites before visiting any federally-funded cultural institution.

Mental Health Support

Financial and job uncertainty is a heavy burden. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

National Crisis Lifeline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support. They are trained to handle stress related to any crisis, including financial and job loss.

How You Can Help

If you are not personally affected, here are ways you can support your community and federal workers.

Donate Food or Funds

Donate to Your Local Food Bank

Food banks are the front line. With SNAP benefits cut, they are facing unprecedented demand. Your donation of money (most effective) or non-perishable food is critical.

Support Relief Funds

Donate to Union Relief Funds

Unions like AFGE have established relief funds to provide direct financial assistance and grants to furloughed employees and members in crisis.

Support Local

“Pay It Forward” at Local Spots

If you know a local restaurant or business offering “furlough freebies,” go there and pay full price. You can even “pay it forward” by buying a meal for the next federal worker who comes in.

Contact Congress

Call Your Representatives

Call your House Representative and both of your Senators. Respectfully tell them to pass a clean funding bill to reopen the government and end the crisis.

Verified Resource Directory (National & State)

Below are verified resources to find food, financial aid, and community support. These links are current as of November 1, 2025.

National Food & Meal Locators

Top National Network

Feeding America – Food Bank Finder

The largest U.S. network. Enter your ZIP code to find local food pantries and meal programs in all 50 states.

Daily Updated Map

FoodFinder – U.S. Food Pantry Directory

Interactive map of over 50,000 food pantries and meal programs, updated daily with verified contact information.

Family & Child Meals

No Kid Hungry – Family Meal Finder

National meal site locator for families with children. Lists schools and community centers offering free meals.

General Community & Financial Aid

Best All-in-One Resource

United Way 211 – Community Help

Dial 211 or use the online tool to find nearby resources for food, housing, utilities, and healthcare in every state.

Social Service Search

FindHelp.org

A searchable map covering food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and mental health aid by ZIP code.

Community & Faith-Based Aid

Salvation Army – Find Assistance

Nationwide database of emergency food, housing, and utility assistance programs operated by The Salvation Army.

Federal Program & Agency Guidance

Food Stamps (SNAP)

USDA SNAP Eligibility & Enrollment

Federal site outlining SNAP eligibility and state-by-state enrollment links. Check here for funding status.

Women, Infants, & Children

WIC Program (USDA)

Nutrition assistance for pregnant women, infants, and children. Find information on eligibility and state offices.

Veteran Benefits

VA Benefits and Assistance Updates

For veterans affected by delayed payments, the VA provides ongoing updates and key contact lines.

Housing Assistance

HUD – Local Housing Offices

Locate your state’s housing authority to apply for rental relief, housing vouchers, and emergency shelter support.

Major State-Specific Food Bank Networks

California