Impact of Government Shutdown on Public Benefit Programs

What is Happening?

Congress and the President did not agree on a budget before the start of the fiscal year on October 1, 2025. While essential government services will continue to operate, many programs and services will be impacted, including public benefit programs. The impact of a government shutdown is greater the longer the shutdown continues. A short shut-down may not impact public benefits immediately, but a long shutdown could mean that benefits are not issued.


When Will It Happen?

The government shutdown began on October 1, 2025. It is unclear how long it will continue.


How Could This Impact Me?

How you are impacted will depend on what public benefit programs you participate in.

  • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Funding to states for the Child Care and Development Fund is not expected to be impacted by the shutdown. The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal shutdown will not impact October benefits for current CCAP customers.

  • Early Intervention: The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal shutdown will not impact October benefits for current Early Intervention customers.

  • Head Start: Grantees receive awards annually, with grant years beginning at different points during the year. A limited number of grantees whose awards were to be received on Oct. 1 may have delays in receiving their awards. All other grantees should be unaffected.

  • Medicaid: The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal shutdown will not impact October benefits for current Medicaid customers.

  • Social Security/SSI: Payments to all people who currently receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will continue with no change in payment dates. Local offices will remain open to the public but will provide reduced services. Read more here.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal shutdown will not impact October benefits for current WIC customers. WIC is operational in Illinois, and it is business as usual. While other states may face different circumstances, Illinois WIC expects to have resources to lead us through October, and Illinois WIC participants should shop as they normally would.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal shutdown will not impact October benefits for current SNAP customers.

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Funding expired on September 30, 2025. The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal shutdown will not impact October benefits for current TANF cash benefit customers.



What Next Steps Should I Take?

You should keep yourself informed about how your benefits are impacted and make sure you have a back-up plan if your benefits are impacted.

Stay Informed

There are a few ways to stay informed about the government shutdown and the potential impact on your benefits:

  • Be on the lookout for letter and email communications from the agencies administering your benefits

  • Check the webpage of agencies administering your benefits

  • Check this page for updates

  • Follow the news

Plan Ahead

While we cannot confirm whether or when your benefits may be impacted, it is always good to have a back up plan.

  • Eligibility Screener: Use our 6 minute eligibility screener to make sure you are enrolled in all the programs you are eligible for.

  • Social Services: Check our resources page to find social services and other supports in your community.

  • Food: If you receive nutrition assistance, learn where you can find emergency food from a food pantry in case your nutrition benefits are disrupted.

  • Conserve: Take steps now to reduce your expenses, whether cutting back on discretionary spending like a trip to the movies, turning off the lights to conserve energy on your utility bill, or postponing spending on non-essentials where possible.


Where Can I Find More Information?

Visit the website of state agencies administering your public benefit programs for more information.


FAQs

  • The federal Office of Personnel Management has provided a summary of how federal workers are impacted by the government shutdown.