The Republican-controlled congress has failed to pass a government funding bill and the federal government is currently shut down.
Due to the government shutdown, a number of resources will be impacted. These resources include, but are not limited to: handling of some casework, arranging Capitol tours, assisting with flags being flown, and responding to constituent correspondence.
We are currently working with federal agencies to determine exactly what services and assistance may be paused.
If you would like to share your story of how the government shutdown is impacting you, please write to Cory. Your stories are important to our work!
If you need assistance with a federal agency, my office is open and we are actively assisting constituents with issues before federal agencies. Please note, however, that at many agencies, the Trump Administration may have decided to pause work or furlough employees; as such, response times may be delayed. Contact my office or go to Get Help with a Federal Agency on our website.
We’ll continue to update our website and social media with the latest information we receive.
Unemployment Benefits: Furloughed federal employees in New Jersey are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown that began October 1, 2025. Benefits will be paid to eligible federal workers for the duration of the shutdown, regardless of when the claim is filed. For more information, please visit NJ Department of Labor’s website: https://www.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/
Are you a federal employee impacted by a federal shutdown? Read these instructions before you file. If you are impacted by the Federal Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), read these instructions before you file.
New Jersey 2-1-1: NJ 211 is a resource for connecting individuals and families with vital community services, such as helping residents navigate life’s challenges, from housing and food assistance to healthcare and disaster support. For assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit their website to learn more at: https://www.211.org/
Food Security: If you or someone you know are experiencing food insecurity, you can find local assistance by visiting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey’s website at cfbnj.org/findfood and entering your zip code.
Call Community FoodBank of New Jersey Food Assistance Line at (908) 838-4831
Text “FindFood” or “Comida” to (908) 224-7776
What does a government shutdown mean?
When the government shuts down it means that Congress failed to pass its yearly “appropriations” bills, which fund federal agencies and federal programs.
How long will the government shutdown last?
It’s hard to predict how long a government shutdown will last. The longest shutdown was in 2018 under President Trump. It lasted 35 days. In the meantime, however, our office will continue its operations as normal, including constituent casework.
What will it take for the government to reopen?
To fund the government, both chambers must come to an agreement on how to do so. Legislators can pass what’s known as a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government temporarily, or they can pass a full appropriations bill that would fund the government for the full fiscal year.
What’s at stake this time around?
Republicans are seeking to eliminate the Affordable Care Act tax credit (AKA the Premium Tax Credit), which helped millions of American families enroll and afford health insurance.
Without this tax credit, Americans’ health care premiums are set to sky rocket. Insurers have already sent out notices to their customers to expect their premiums to, in some cases, more than double. Many families who rely on this tax credit, however, may not be able to afford this increase, leading millions to drop their insurance.
Democrats are demanding the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to preserve the health care of the more than 20 million American families who rely on this tax credit for their health care.
What happens if I’m a federal worker during a shutdown?
Most federal employees are not paid during a shutdown. They are either furloughed or required to come into work without pay, depending on the nature of their job. Some federal employees (around one-third) are not affected by the shutdown because their salaries and functions are funded through a source that does not require an annual Congressional appropriation.
While some federal employees may not receive a paycheck during the shutdown, their healthcare coverage will continue uninterrupted. Historically, once the shutdown has ended, Congress has passed legislation to retroactively pay federal employees for any unpaid work time.
Who decides what stays open during a government shutdown?
In the Executive Branch, OMB and agency heads decide what stays open, and which/how many federal employees are furloughed. Federal agencies draft “Agency Contingency Plans” which outline which functions or programs continue to operate during a government shutdown and which employees continue to work without pay. Ultimately, the agency head, subject to DOJ OLC guidance and in coordination with OMB, determines which functions may continue. In 2025, agencies were directed to update these plans, however OMB has refused to publish these updated plans in a central place on OMB’s website where they historically were located. Instead, agencies have slowly been publishing their updated 2025 on their individual websites.
In the Legislative Branch, each Member of Congress may decide which members of their staff are furloughed and which are exempt. Our staff will continue to work during the shutdown and are actively working to help New Jersey constituents
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Yes. Social Security Insurance recipients will continue to receive their monthly benefit. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications.
However, some SSA activities may be temporarily paused, including benefit verifications and overpayment processing. You are also likely to experience increased wait times for customer service. If you need assistance with a personal matter with Social Security, please contact our office to Get Help with a Federal Agency.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits. If you need assistance with a personal matter with Medicare,, please contact our office to Get Help with a Federal Agency.
What is the impact on veterans' services?
Veterans will still be able to access care. All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. If you need assistance with a personal matter pending with the VA, please contact our office to Get Help with a Federal Agency.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
No. Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. New applications or other requested changes may be delayed.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All Guard and Reservists on active duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care may be interrupted, but off-base care provided through Tricare is not affected.
On-base child care is open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement officers are required to work.
Will my mail still arrive?
The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
Will commercial air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are excepted employees. They are required to work.
The US Department of Transportation (USDOT)––at the president’s urging–– may make further determinations, deciding to furlough additional employees, including air traffic controllers.
What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as those through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations. If you need assistance with a personal matter with the SBA, please contact our office to Get Help with a Federal Agency.
What is the impact on federal housing loans?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans.
What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
FEMA staff will still respond to emergencies. If you need assistance with a personal matter with FEMA, please contact our office to Get Help with a Federal Agency.