As the government shutdown unfolds, the strain on Connecticut families is already clear.
- 50,000 women and children rely on WIC for healthy food.
- 5,600 children in Head Start depend on early learning programs.
- 391,000 neighbors count on SNAP every month to put meals on the table.
- 7,300 federal civilian employees face lost paychecks.
Some programs will feel the shutdown’s impact immediately, others in the weeks ahead. Either way, ALICE families, already just one emergency away from crisis, will be hit first and hardest.
At United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut, we know how to respond. Our ALICE Fund was created for moments like this, providing up to $600 per household in rapid, flexible financial assistance for essentials like food, child care, rent, and utilities.
But right now, the ALICE Fund is depleted. That's why we are urgently asking you to help us replenish the ALICE Fund so we can move quickly to provide relief to those impacted.
Donate to the ALICE FUND
The shutdown may last days or weeks, but families can’t wait. Stand with us today to keep food on the table, lights on at home, and kids learning in school.
Resources for Families
If you or someone you know is impacted:
United Way Food Guides: Find local pantries and meal programs.
211 Connecticut: Call or visit 211ct.org for statewide help.
CT Department of Social Services: For program updates and eligibility.
Contact Archeline at United Way for direct assistance inquiries.
FAQs from Congresswoman Hayes
Will I continue to receive my Social Security checks?
Yes. You will continue to receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks. However, some Social Security services are likely to be affected, including benefit verifications and the issuance of Medicare replacement cards. There may also be reduced hours at field offices.
I am on food assistance. Will my programs be affected?
Not immediately. Individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue to receive their October 2025 payments, even if there is a shutdown. If the shutdown lasts longer than 30 days, SNAP benefits could be delayed or interrupted entirely.
Benefits through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also should not be impacted if there is a short shutdown. However, if the shutdown lasts longer than a week, WIC benefits could be impacted.
Will I still be able to use my Medicaid and Medicare?
Yes. Medicare and Medicaid will not be impacted, and benefits will continue as usual.
Will I still receive my mail?
Yes, the U.S. Postal Service will remain operational.
I am a veteran, will my health care be impacted? How will other veterans’ services be impacted?
No, veterans’ health care will not be impacted by a shutdown. Benefits such as pension, education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed and delivered.
Access to some Veterans’ Affairs (VA) resources will be restricted, including outreach, career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance. Regional VA offices will also be closed.
Will immigration applications still be processed?
Visa and passport operations are not normally impacted during a shutdown. Some immigration cases may be delayed.
Please note that law enforcement, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, will still be operational.
Do I still have to pay my student loans?
Yes, student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt. Federal student aid employees will still be working during a government shutdown.
Information for Federal Employees
I am a federal employee. Will I receive back pay for furloughed days?
Yes. After the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which requires retroactive pay for furloughed employees following the end of a government shutdown. Generally, benefits such as health insurance continue during a shutdown furlough; however, federal employees may need to wait until they are returned to pay status before they can adjust their benefits.
I am a federal worker, contractor, or I am employed at a federal building that will not be open. Can I file for unemployment benefits?
Yes. If the government shuts down, furloughed federal workers and contractors can apply for unemployment. You can apply here for unemployment benefits.