Updated April 8, 2026
Get help during a government shutdown
This page is for people looking for practical shutdown-related guidance. Exact impacts can change by agency and by the length of a funding lapse, so use this page as a starting point and confirm details with the relevant agency or program.
Who this page is for
- Federal employees and contractors
- Families who rely on federal services or benefits
- Travelers affected by airport, passport, or park disruptions
- People waiting on permits, claims, approvals, or agency customer service
Where to go next
- Agency Tracker for service-by-service questions
- Travel Alerts for transportation and travel-related impacts
- Economic Impact for broader effects on work, contracts, and local economies
- Next Vote Date for legislative timing
Common help topics
Federal workers
Federal workers may face furloughs, delayed pay, or changes to daily operations depending on whether their role is considered excepted. Monitor official agency communications and union or HR guidance where available.
Contractors
Contractors are often affected differently from federal employees. Work may pause, invoice timing may change, and contract administration may slow down depending on agency conditions.
Benefits and services
Some programs continue because they are mandatory or funded differently, while customer service, processing speed, and approvals can still be affected. Check the relevant agency or state administrator for updates.