Advocacy
What is a government shutdown?
A shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the legislation required to provide funding for the federal government for the upcoming fiscal year. Congress has the sole authority to provide funding for the federal government and its services, which includes everything from paying social security checks, to running national parks, to paying troops, and a variety of other programs and services essential to the everyday lives of individuals and families.
Several services and programs critical to people with disabilities and their families are being disrupted or put at risk. While core benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, and Medicaid continue because they are funded through mandatory spending, many other essential supports are vulnerable, especially if the shutdown lasts more than a few weeks. The most affected services and programs include:
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
• Services are open, however, there is only enough funding to operate for 1–2 weeks during the shutdown. If Congress doesn’t act, millions of families could lose access to these benefits.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• October benefits are expected to be issued, but future months are uncertain if the shutdown continues.
Special Education Oversight
• The Department of Education’s closure and workforce reductions have raised concerns about enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Civil rights protections and funding oversight for students with disabilities may be delayed or weakened.
Early Childhood and Special Needs Programs
• Programs like Head Start, Early Head Start, IDEA Part C (Early Intervention), and Preschool Special Ed (Part B-619) are mostly funded for the current year, but new grants, approvals, and technical assistance are delayed.
• Preschool Development Grants and home visiting programs may face slowdowns in federal support.
Housing Assistance
• Section 8 housing vouchers and other HUD programs are at risk, especially for low-income families with disabled members.
Meals on Wheels and Community-Based Services
• Funding for programs like Meals on Wheels and home and community-based services may be paused or reduced, affecting seniors and people with disabilities who rely on them.
Social Security Services
• While payments continue, new applications, appeals, and customer service are delayed due to furloughs.
Helpful Actions
The following provides you with information and links to find answers.
• Contact Local Congressional Offices
• Social Security Administration (open with reduced services)
• Online Portals my Social Security: www.ssa.gov/myaccount.gov
• Manage benefits, request documents, and more.
• State and Local Agencies for programs like SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid, contact NYS Department of Social Services or Health Department.
• Veterans Affairs (VA benefits and medical services continue, regional offices may be closed). VA Medical Centers and Clinics remain open
• Medicare/Medicaid (benefits continue, but expect delays due to staff furloughs.
• Use Online Services: Whenever possible, use agency websites and portals.
• Follow official social media accounts of agencies like SSA, VA, and USDA for real-time updates.
Here’s who you can contact in Rochester if your family has questions about federal benefits or services during the government shutdown:
Congressional Representative for Rochester, Rep. Joseph Morelle (He can assist with issues involving federal agencies like Social Security, VA, or IRS). Office number (202) 225-3615. Email at https://morelle.house.gov/contact
For help with SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, and other local benefits. SNAP: (585) 753-6960, Medicaid: (585) 753-2760, Temporary Assistance: (585) 753-6960.
Online Benefit Management: Use https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin
