As of October 1, the federal government is shut down.

Senator Kaine is working in a bipartisan way to reopen the government as soon as possible, and his office will remain open during the shutdown to assist Virginians.

Senator Kaine’s office will continue to process constituent requests for help with a federal agency. However, many federal agencies are operating with reduced staff, and some departments are closed. This means there could be significant delays in resolving issues, and some cases may not receive a response until after the federal government reopens. If you need help with a federal agency, please submit a request here.

Senator Kaine’s office will not be able to process requests for flags or tours during the shutdown.

RESOURCES FOR WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE SHUTDOWN

Federal employees should reference www.opm.gov for updates. I am closely monitoring the impacts on the federal workforce and the September 24, 2025 directive published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for large-scale reductions in force (RIFs) plans during a government shutdown. There are additional resources you can find here on my website if you are a federal employee.

Office of Personnel Management

Commonwealth of Virginia

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’m a federal employee or servicemember. Will I receive a paycheck?

All federal employees are guaranteed back pay once the federal government reopens, thanks to Senator Kaine’s efforts during the 2018-2019 shutdown to secure passage of legislation to guarantee back pay for federal employees for that and all future shutdowns.

All servicemembers will receive back pay, but paycheck deposits will be delayed. If you live in base housing, your services will remain intact. Schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will remain open. On-base Child Development Centers will close on a case-by-case basis. Please check for closures.

What will happen to my Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?

If you receive Social Security or SSI, you will continue to receive your benefits during the shutdown. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop benefit verifications and processing of overpayments.

What will happen to my Medicare or Medicaid benefits?

Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, you will not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and outreach and educational activities will slow at a critical time as open enrollment approaches.

What will happen to my veterans’ benefits?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will continue to process and deliver benefits to veterans, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. There will be no impact to VA health care. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open. VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1) are open 24/7. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue to process appeals. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.

Regional VA benefits offices will be closed, and regular operations such as career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance will not be available.

Will I be able to get a new passport or renew my passport during the shutdown?

The U.S. Passport Agency will remain open during the shutdown and will continue to process requests for passports, but there could be significant delays.

I need help with the IRS. Are they open?

The IRS will continue all operations through at least October 8, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that Kaine helped pass.

How is the Small Business Administration (SBA) impacted during a shutdown?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not approve new small business loans or modify existing loans for the 7(a) and 504 programs. You can still apply for loans through SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, but there may be delays.

Will I receive mail through the U.S. Postal Service?

Yes, mail through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will continue throughout the shutdown.

What happens to my food assistance benefits?

During a shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has contingency funds to continue issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for up to a month. However, contingency funds for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) would last no more than a week. If you rely on SNAP or WIC, contact your state or local agency for the most current information regarding benefit issuance and administrative services.   

What happens if I live in HUD or USDA housing?

Most tenants who live in HUD and USDA housing should not experience a disruption in their housing. If a shutdown continues for a sustained period of time, there may be additional updates.