Government shutdown 2018: Here’s what might affect you

With the U.S. government shut down for now, the ramifications could be widespread, affecting federal salaried and hourly workers, small businesses dependent on loans and other entities around the nation.

Christmas weekend could also see a multitude of tourist sites, parks and other public spaces shuttered for the remainder of the the holidays and possibly beyond.

Government shutdowns may be rare, but they aren’t unprecedented. The first one occurred more than 40 years ago in 1976 under President Nixon. The last one occurred for 16 days In October 2013 under the Obama Administration.

Here’s what you need to know i case it happens again.

Here’s what’s likely to be closed/curtailed during a partial government shutdown

Home loans

If you’re waiting on bank approval for a home loan, there may be a delay. Loan processing run through the Federal Housing Administration would slow to a crawl, according to a report from the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Food inspections

If you own a restaurant or frequent one, they likely won’t have to worry about being subjected to an unannounced health inspection. That’s because in partial shutdowns, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) generally ceases routine restaurant inspections, according to Food Safety News.

Federal law enforcement  & military

DEA, FBI, and military personnel  will all still be required to work, but they likely won’t get paid until the shutdown comes to an end. That means military survivors who are due death benefits won’t get a check either.

Public housing

Millions of American households dependent on public housing could see their means dry up as HUD’s rental assistance programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher, would be endangered if the impasse is extended.

Other agencies

Around 400,000 federal workers would be placed on furlough, making their workplaces inoperational. NASA, the Department of Commerce and most IRS offices would be closed. Independent agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be shuttered as well.

Here’s what’s not going to stop during a partial government shutdown

Mail

You’re going to continue to get your Social Security check and other mail, so you won’t have to worry about any postal deliveries being hindered.

TSA inspections

Got a flight around the holidays? Those Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents will be on the job as usual. Those services, like many around the nation, are considered “essential,” although many employees may see delayed paychecks due to the shutdown. The same goes for agencies like the Department of Agriculture and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), including air traffic controllers.

Medicaid/Medicare

Doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities will continue to get Medicaid and Medicare funding so they can function as normal.

National Park System

If recent history is any indication, major sites like the Grand Canyon and any number of historic spots and museums around Washington, D.C., just might remain open — but the staffs would be largely absent. What is likely to go dark, however, are visitor’s centers and other customer-facing offices and facilities that require ongoing staff.

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