The US government shutdown has entered its fifth week with no resolution in sight. As Democrats and Republicans remain in disagreement over a spending plan to reopen federal agencies, various financial and service-related challenges are emerging for millions of Americans. The ongoing dispute over funding means individuals may face interruptions in food aid, military personnel could work without pay, and some may experience difficulties heating their homes.
Food Assistance
Over 40 million Americans utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap). While the program had sufficient funding for the initial four weeks of the shutdown, the administration indicated that funds would be depleted by November 1. This could lead to a lapse in Snap benefits, also known as food stamps, which would be the first in the program's history. Hannah Garth, a Princeton University professor specializing in food insecurity, stated that Snap serves as a key support system for families. Organizations providing food assistance have reported increased strain, and the potential lapse of Snap benefits is anticipated to exacerbate the situation.
On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency to assist the estimated three million New Yorkers potentially affected by the loss of food assistance due to the shutdown. Snap enrollees have been observed stockpiling food and seeking help from aid organizations. Half of the states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against the administration regarding the disruption of food aid. The administration has attributed the funding shortfall to Democrats and stated it would only access a Snap contingency fund for emergencies such as natural disasters. Snap benefits are federally distributed through state-run programs. Some states, like Virginia, have indicated they may cover shortfalls in November, while others, such as Massachusetts, have stated they cannot.
Military Pay
If no administrative action is taken, more than one million US military members are projected to miss their paychecks on Friday. Research firm Rand reports that approximately a quarter of military families experience food insecurity, and 15% utilize Snap or food pantries. The Military Family Advisory Network estimates that 27% of military families have $500 or less in emergency savings. The Pentagon has accepted a $130 million donation intended to support salaries during the shutdown, which amounts to approximately $100 per active-duty service member. According to Axios, the White House plans to issue pay to troops on October 31 by reallocating funds from military housing, research and development, and defense procurement accounts. Earlier this month, the administration covered payroll by moving $6.5 billion from military research funds. Over 160 families have informed the National Military Family Association that they experienced underpayments during the shutdown, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Home Energy Assistance
Around six million Americans receive assistance with utility bills through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap). Typically, the government distributes Liheap funds directly to utility companies in mid-November. Temperatures are already decreasing in northern regions, where homes are heated with propane, electric, and natural gas. While many states prevent natural gas and electric companies from discontinuing service for non-payment, these regulations do not always apply to propane or heating oil. Experts have indicated that without intervention, such as government reopening or alternative resolutions like a moratorium on service disconnections, individuals relying on certain heating sources could face severe conditions.
Federal Civilian Workers
Thousands of federal civilian employees are expected to miss a paycheck this week. The extended duration of the shutdown has intensified its impacts. Some civilian employees received compensation for one to two weeks, while others have not been paid since October 1. Congressional aides on Capitol Hill are among those who will not receive pay beginning this week. Food banks and pantries across the US, particularly in Washington, D.C., have reported an increase in federal workers seeking assistance. The Bipartisan Policy Center projects that if the shutdown continues until December 1, approximately 4.5 million paychecks, totaling around $21 billion in wages, will be withheld from federal civilian employees. Historically, furloughed employees have been paid after shutdowns conclude. However, the administration has stated intentions to withhold pay and has initiated actions to terminate thousands of workers, which is subject to legal challenge.