My office remains focused on essential operations to support our constituents and communities in Massachusetts who may be affected by the shutdown, and to reach a resolution to fund the government. During the shutdown, my office remains open and available to serve constituents and communities with urgent concerns and casework matters, especially related to impacts from the shutdown.
During a shutdown, federal agencies and departments may have difficulty staffing their help desks if they have to furlough any of their employees. If you have questions or concerns about contacting a federal agency, please contact my office.
Yes. My office is open during the shutdown. You can contact us at (617) 565-8519 or ma_casework@markey.senate.gov.
For my office to inquire with any federal agency on your behalf, we must have your written permission. Please complete and sign a Privacy Release Form and return it to my office by mail, fax, or email. Most agencies do not accept an electronic signature, so please physically sign the form.
Please note: there may be delays in response times from the agencies, but my office will provide you with updates as they come.
Both Medicare and MassHealth will not be immediately impacted by a federal government shutdown. However, disruptions could arise if a shutdown is prolonged. There should be no disruption in both the payment and processing of Medicare claims.
If you encounter any issues, Medicare is accessible through their helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE. MassHealth can be reached at 1-800-841-2900.
Social Security benefits are not affected by a government shutdown. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will maintain essential functions, ensuring that benefits are paid. However, card issuance services and new benefit verification will be halted during a shutdown, which could potentially lead to delays in the claims process. If you have any questions or need any help from Social Security, you can reach your local Social Security office here. You can also contact my office at 617-565-8519.
The funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will run out quickly and no longer be able to make payments during a prolonged government shutdown. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding could also be negatively affected in the case of a prolonged shutdown.
Here are some resources if you need food assistance:
Greater Boston Area: BOS - Food Access and Food Assistance Resources
Western Mass Area: Western Mass Food Access Resources
Eastern MA: Greater Boston Food Bank
Northeastern MA: Merrimack Valley Food Bank
Central MA: Worcester County Food Bank
Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline: (1-800-645-8333)
No, USPS will not be impacted by a government shutdown.
Almost all Veterans Services should continue as normal during the government shutdown. Access to most VA benefits should remain unaffected; however, there will be furloughs for employees who are either performing medical or prosthetic research and some services.
Local VA benefits regional offices will be closed, but VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered for all veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open and providing services during the shutdown. VA Call Centers will remain operational. The Veterans Crisis Line will be open 24/7 and is reachable by dialing (988, Press 1).
If you need assistance with your VA case, please call the VA Primary Call Center at (1-800-698-2411), or contact my office.
Emergency Financial Resources for Veterans:
Veterans of Foreign Wars – Financial Assistance for Service Members Designed to help America's active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties. The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist daily necessities.
USA Cares Emergency Assistance ProgramIf you're a veteran struggling to cover basic monthly bills such as rent or utilities apply for a cash grant to help. The average amount awarded is $650 which can be really helpful when struggling to make ends meet.
American Legion – Temporary Financial AssistanceDesigned to help families with minor children this program offers cash grants to pay for housing utilities food and medical expenses. The goal is to encourage a stable home life for children. Learn if you're eligible.
Commonwealth of MassachusettsTo apply for veterans' benefits in Massachusetts, you should contact your community's Veterans Service Officer (VSO). There is a VSO assigned to every city and town in Massachusetts. Apply for financial help for veterans | Mass.gov
The Federal Housing Administration will cease the approval of applications for housing loans. Depending on the length of the shutdown, this will lead to major delays for approving the refinancing of properties, and approval of development.
Housing Resources:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) maintains a nationwide network of participating housing counseling agencies. To find a housing counseling agency in your area, you can visit the HUD Housing Counseling website.
At the state level, RAFT Program provides short-term emergency funding to help you with various housing needs and emergencies. For more information, constituents can reach the referral hotline at 211 or at (877) 211-6277.
Constituents can utilize the Resource Locator from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) to find more information on emergency shelter assistance, community action agencies, and legal help by filtering by town and municipalities. EOHLC can be reached at (617) 573-1100.
Both passport and visa operations are fee-funded and typically remain unaffected by a government shutdown. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is also fee-funded so your immigration benefit applications should continue to be processed.
Immigration Court cases that are on the detained docket will likely proceed while non-detained cases will likely be postponed to a later date when the shutdown concludes.
If you need assistance with your immigration case, please contact my office.
Pell Grant, Federal Direct Student Loan, Free Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA), and servicing of federal student loans should continue but only for a limited time during a shutdown. If the shutdown continues for a prolonged period of time, institutions of higher education and school districts could experience shortages of funds.
If you are in need of assistance with a loan, you can reach out to your loan servicer, the Department of Education, or contact my office.
A shutdown will cause the U.S. Small Business Administration to cease acceptance, reviewal, or approval of any new business loans for small businesses.
Small Business Development Centers may remain open but with limited assistance to offer small business support:
State office: Tilson House | (413) 545-6301
Regional offices:
Berkshire Region: Berkshires Innovation Center: (413) 5454-8070
Central Region: Clark University: (508) 793-7615
Greater Boston Region: Mount Ida Campus UMass Amherst: (413) 545-1988
Northeast Region: Salem State University: (978) 542-6343
Southwest Region: (508) 673-9783
Western Region: UMass Amherst Center at Springfield Tower Square: (413) 577-1768
Specialty Centers: Massachusetts Export Center: (617) 973-6610
Specialty Centers: Government Sales Advisory Program: (508) 870-3193 |
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: (774) 203-9972
At the state level, small business owners can also consult with Massachusetts Office of Economic Development for support and their active list of resources through MassDevelopment.
A shutdown should not have any effect on passport applications. The Bureau of Consular Affairs/Passport Services is fee-funded as well as being deemed an essential service provider.
However, you should plan to experience possible delays at the airport. While Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees will not be furloughed, there could still be staffing shortages that increase wait times at security checkpoints. Please plan to arrive early for your flight.
Yes, for now. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is continuing operations as normal for the first five business days following the start of a government shutdown and may be able to continue reduced operations after five business days by using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. If you need immediate tax assistance, you can reach out to a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) near you.
Yes, the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition has compiled a Resource Directory for every state. When constituents select MA, they will find a list of Nonprofit Fuel Funds and Utility Assistance Programs.
Yes. At the state level, constituents can consult their eligibility for the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC).
The Department of Transistional Assistance (DTA) assists low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. Check out all the assistance programs and eligibility requirements here. For more information, constituents can call the hotline for DTA at (877) 382-2363.
Yes. Here are some resources for service members, federal civilian workers, and contractors:
Navy Federal Credit Union Eligible members with direct deposit of pay who are service members, federal government employees, and federal government contractors paid directly by the federal government may be eligible for a loan with zero interest or fees. Information about registration and other details is available at Navy Federal Credit Union.
USAA Members who are employed by a federal agency that's been affected and have received an eligible direct deposit into a USAA checking or savings account within 30 days prior to the beginning of the shutdown will be able to apply for a zero-interest. Government Shutdown Program | USAA
PenFed Credit Union Members may qualify for a zero-interest paycheck protection loan and other assistance. Furlough Relief Assistance
Andrews Federal Credit Union Offering financial assistance loan options, penalty-free share certificate withdrawals, skip-a-payment programs and other assistance with loan programs. Financial Assistance Options - Andrews Federal Credit Union
Army Emergency Relief Can provide an interest-free loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck, up to a maximum amount of $6,000, for soldiers and families who experience financial hardship due to lack of pay. Soldiers must repay the full amount within 30 days, and will begin on Oct. 30, after they receive back pay following the government shutdown. AER now offers online applications for loans. Assistance Programs - Army Emergency Relief
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Offices will be open during normal hours to help families who are experiencing immediate needs related to the loss of income from a government shutdown. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) - Financial Assistance, Interest-Free Loans & Scholarships | NMCRS (en-US)
