The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1.
The government has not run out of money. But to spend it, the two chambers of Congress — the House of Representatives and the Senate — have to pass bills setting the rules for spending.
The Republican majority in the House passed a bill called a continuing resolution, allowing spending for several more weeks. But in the Senate, Republicans needed at least a few votes from Democrats to meet the 60-vote minimum. Democrats refused to provide those votes unless Republicans agreed to undo recent cuts to Medicaid and the tax credits for people buying health insurance through Affordable Healthcare Act marketplaces.
Not every part of the government has shut down. Here’s what we know so far. We’ll update this page as new information becomes available.
Will my mail still get delivered?
The U.S. Postal Service will continue to deliver mail while the federal government is shut down. Post office locations are still open. The service is not paid for by tax dollars. The sale of stamps, sending of packages and other services pay to run the agency.
Will SNAP or WIC benefits run out during the federal government shutdown?
Money for Ohio’s SNAP and WIC programs has already been paid to the state by the federal government for October so, for now, those benefits will continue. If a shutdown lasts longer than a month, it’s not clear how long there will be enough funding for the programs and will vary by state, according to the Food Research & Action Center.
Can I still fly out of Cleveland-Hopkins airport — and get through security on time?
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is open and flights are running. Travelers should prepare for longer lines. TSA officials are considered essential and should still be working but they will not be paid during the shutdown so it’s not clear how that will affect the lines. Air traffic controllers are also considered essential and will still be guiding flights but there could be reduced capacity.
Is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (and other national parks) still open for visitors?
Currently, yes. Parks’ status will be determined on a case-by-case basis, according to Congress Member Shontel Brown’s office. You can check the CVNP web site before visiting. State parks and Cleveland Metroparks are not affected.
Can I still use my Medicaid and Medicare benefits?
Yes. The insurance programs should be mostly unaffected by the shutdown if it lasts less than three months. Benefits for people who have the insurance should still work and claims should still be processed. People signing up to qualify may see delays in their applications being processed.
Your Social Security check will be deposited and local offices are open but might have limited services.
During the shutdown, Social Security checks should still be deposited on the same dates as normal. Local offices will be open, but not all services will be available. You can still:
- Apply for benefits
- Request an appeal
- Change your address or direct deposit information
- Report a death
- Verify or change your citizenship status
- Replace a lost or missing Social Security payment
- Obtain a critical payment
- Change a representative payee
- Make a change in your living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only)
- Obtain a new or replacement Social Security card
The U.S. District Courts and other federal courts are open but may postpone some cases or hearings.
U.S. Department of Justice guidance says that criminal cases will continue but civil cases may be delayed or postponed.
Is the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center open for patients?
All U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers are open. The VA will also keep processing veterans’ benefits. Some call centers and hotlines, such as the GI Bill hotline, will be temporarily closed. The Veterans Crisis Line for mental health emergencies remains open.