Summary
If the U.S. government shuts down, programs funded by mandatory spending, like Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits, will keep operating. Programs that depend on annual funding from Congress, such as SNAP, might see delays. The timing of payments, particularly for SNAP, can depend on the length of the shutdown.
Key Facts
- A U.S. government shutdown may occur if a funding resolution is not passed by lawmakers.
- Social Security payments will continue during a shutdown as they are funded automatically.
- Veterans Affairs benefits, such as disability payments, will also continue without interruption.
- SNAP (food assistance) may face disruptions if the shutdown is extended because it relies on yearly Congress-approved funding.
- Short shutdowns usually do not affect SNAP immediately due to existing funds, but prolonged ones could result in delays.
- The last extended shutdown lasted 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019.
