Resources for Connecticut Residents Affected by the Government Shutdown

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A government shutdown, which happens when Congress fails to approve a spending measure, just took place on, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, due to no agreement on funding. The longer the government is closed, the broader the effects will be. A longer shutdown may start to affect federally funded programs and services. Below, you will find what the current status is for federal benefit programs and services offered. Please note that the Connecticut Governor and Legislators have committed to helping fund important benefits resources for Connecticut residents that may be affected with a long-term shutdown.

10/27/2025 UPDATE – Important for Food Stamp/SNAP Recipients: If the Government Shutdown continues through the end of October 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has notified states that funding for Food Stamps/SNAP benefits will not be issued.

This means:

For additional information on SNAP Benefits during the shutdown, visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services’ website for frequently asked questions (FAQs) and more details: SNAP and the Federal Shut Down

During shutdowns, individuals will continue to receive ongoing benefits and services:

Please note: if a continued shutdown occurs for a longer period, any new applications or claims may not be able to be processed and benefits may cease after a while, because funding allocations have run out.

Some nonessential federal government processes, like these will not be operational:

While these essential services would continue:

Essential federal employees continue to work throughout the shutdown, but many without pay. Other federal employees are on furlough – not working and not receiving pay. In Connecticut, there are federal employees who work for the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, who could be impacted by a shutdown. Additionally, there are other Connecticut residents who rely on federal benefit programs and services, who may also be affected. Below is information and resources for those affected.


RESOURCES FOR FEDERAL WORKERS IMPACTED BY THE SHUTDOWN

Unemployment Insurance

Filing Information

During a federal government shutdown, some federal employees/contractors may be required to work full-time without pay. Per federal guidance, those full-time employees are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

All other unemployment applications will be reviewed for eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Work Search and Benefits Filing During the Shutdown

Unemployment & Work Search Federal Shutdown

For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Labor website: Unemployment for Federal Employees & Contractors

Financial Assistance – Loans

If you need assistance locating a participating financial institution., that may be able to assist with a housing loan if furloughed for an extended period, please contact the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority at customer.service@chfa.org or 860-721-9501/1-844-CT1-HOME (toll free).

Federal civilian employees may be eligible for a grant or loan by accessing these available resources through the “Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund” website: Government Shutdown: 10 Essential Resources for Feds

Temporary Financial Assistance

Basic Needs

Employees affected by the shutdown may need to supplement their lost income by accessing some of the available safety net programs that provide free groceries and meals, help with utility bills, and other basic needs.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or donate food and/or monetary funds to food pantries who provide food throughout the year and especially during times of a government shutdown or emergency disaster the state may be experiencing, like the current shutdown situation, can locate a pantry in an individual’s city/town to donate to, or find a agency to volunteer with.  Visit the eLibrary paper on the 211ct.org website that has agencies providing these services: “Donating and Volunteering Opportunities During a Government Shutdown and Other Times”


INFORMATION REGARDING FEDERAL BENEFIT PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Connecticut residents who receive benefits that are funded, at least in part, by federal dollars may be worried about how those benefits will be impacted by the current shutdown. Listed below is information regarding some of the federal benefit programs, as well as federal services.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The Government Shutdown can be stressful time for individuals and families that may be affected by a longer-term shutdown. The National Association of Mental Illness has listed some resources that can be accessed to assist during this difficult time: Shutdown Resources | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

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PREPARED BY: 211/tb

CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: October2025