The U.S. federal government entered a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass full-year appropriations or a continuing resolution. As breakdowns in negotiations escalated, many nonessential operations ground to a halt. Below is a clear, up-to-date look at what shuts down, what stays open, and how this affects citizens. Today 1 October 2025
Today 1 October 2025: Current Situation
As of this morning, several federal functions are suspended or scaled back as agencies implement shutdown protocols. The Department of Transportation has already indicated it will furlough over 11,000 FAA employees, though more than 13,000 air traffic controllers must continue working with no pay until funding is restored. Essential safety operations remain active.
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue collecting tariffs because these operations are deemed essential and exempt from the funding lapse.
The Department of Health and Human Services has warned that it may furlough around 41 percent of its workforce, affecting research, inspections, and oversight functions.
A White House memo now directs agencies to plan for possible mass firings, not just temporary furloughs, for nonessential programs lacking funding.
In brief: the shutdown is real, and its effects begin immediately.
What Closes During a Government Shutdown?
Nonessentials Pause, Essentials Continue
Federal agencies classify services as “essential” or “nonessential” during a funding lapse. Nonessential services shut down or slow severely; essential ones continue, often without immediate pay. Nonessential typically includes public-facing services, administrative work, and many new projects. Essential includes defense, law enforcement, air traffic control, and some health programs.
Typical Closures & Suspensions
- Tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and FBI building shut down.
- National parks, visitor centers, and monuments may close, or operate in a limited fashion.
- Agencies like the NIH, CDC, and HHS may suspend research operations, inspections, or educational outreach.
- New grant awards, contract solicitations, and regulatory rulemakings halt until funding resumes.
- Administrative back-office functions (payroll, program planning) may freeze or slow. New applications for many services could see delays.
What Remains Open or Unaffected?
Social Security and Medicare
Payments for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are not funded via the annual appropriations process. They are considered mandatory spending, so recipients should continue to receive benefits.
However, new benefit claims processing or card issuance may slow because staff are reduced.
Military, Defense, and Public Safety
Military personnel remain on duty, national defense is active, and law enforcement retains operations even though many employees may go temporarily unpaid.
Border control, customs, emergency services, and disaster response agencies continue under essential status.
USPS, USCIS, and Fee-Funded Programs
The U.S. Postal Service operates independently of annual appropriations so mail delivery should remain unaffected.
Similarly, some immigration and citizenship services (funded by user fees) might continue in a limited capacity.
Will Social Security Be Affected by Shutdown?
No, Social Security checks will still go out. The program has its own funding mechanism, independent of Congress’s yearly funding decisions.
But procedural delays such as processing new applications, issuing replacement cards, or customer support responses may slow or be postponed until staff return.
Other Questions Addressed
Did the Government Shut Down Last Night? / Are We in a Government Shutdown?
Yes, the shutdown began just past midnight on October 1, 2025, when funding expired and no agreement was in place. The U.S. is officially in a government shutdown.
Does the Military Get Paid During a Shutdown?
Military personnel continue serving, but their pay is delayed until Congress restores funding. Historically, back pay is provided after resolution.
Is USPS Affected by Government Shutdown?
No. USPS uses independent funding, so postal operations continue.
What Jobs Are Affected?
Nonessential federal employees and many agency staff will be furloughed or asked to work without pay. Essential workers may continue but face delayed compensation.
Was There a Government Shutdown / Did Congress Pass a Budget?
No full budget passed. The legislative impasse triggered the shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is closed during a government shutdown?
Nonessential federal services like visitor tours, new grant awards, administrative processing, scheduling noncritical work, and many research functions are suspended.
Is social security affected by government shutdown?
No, payments continue. But administrative processing and customer service may slow.
Is USPS affected by government shutdown?
No, mail delivery and core postal services continue as USPS is not funded through congressional annual appropriations.
Does the military get paid during shutdown?
They remain active but pay is delayed until funding is restored; historically, back pay is given after the shutdown ends.
Will government shutdown affect veterans benefits or VA services?
Medical, prosthetics, and burial services usually continue. Some research or nonessential programs may pause.
Did Congress pass a budget to avoid shutdown?
No. Negotiations failed, neither full-year appropriations nor a continuing resolution cleared both chambers.
What does government shutdown affect for small businesses or loans?
Federal loan programs (e.g. SBA) may be suspended. New applications may not be processed until funding resumes.
Conclusion
The 2025 government shutdown is now a reality, with a surge of furloughs, suspended services, and uncertainty about when full operations will resume. Understanding what closes and what continues helps citizens navigate the disruption. Social Security and Medicare payments remain intact, USPS stays active, and essential government functions endure, even with limited resources. Use this guide to track your interests whether you're checking “what closes during a government shutdown” or “is social security affected by government shutdown.”
