As of October 1, 2025, the United States government has entered a full shutdown due to a funding deadlock in Congress. While certain essential services continue, individuals with disabilities—who often rely heavily on federal programs—face significant uncertainty. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue, as they are classified as mandatory spending. Similarly, Medicaid and Medicare coverage remain active, and veterans continue to receive healthcare and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Administrative tasks like updating records or processing new applications may slow down, and routine public health monitoring is paused, affecting programs that serve the disability community.

While I personally did not notice major impacts during the last shutdown, I can see how others in the disability community could be affected. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) face potential delays, meaning food assistance for many people with disabilities could be interrupted if the shutdown continues. For individuals who rely on these programs to meet basic needs, even short-term disruptions can create real hardships. Similarly, those without insurance who depend on public clinics could face limited access to essential healthcare services during this time, adding further stress.

The 2025 shutdown highlights the vulnerability of people with disabilities who rely on federal programs for health, safety, and financial stability. Even if not everyone is directly affected, the potential for delays in benefits and services underscores the importance of contingency planning. From my perspective as a disabled person, ensuring uninterrupted support during shutdowns is critical. It raises an important question: how can federal and state governments create plans that protect the needs of the disability community during periods of funding uncertainty?

Question to Consider: How can federal and state governments create contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted services for people with disabilities during future government shutdowns?

Sources

:     1.    “How Government Shutdown Will Impact Social Security, SNAP, VA Benefits,” Newsweek, September 30, 2025     2.    “Federal Government Shutdown: What People with Disabilities Should Know,” The Arc, October 1, 2025     3.    “Looming Health Insurance Spikes for Millions Are at the Heart of the Government Shutdown,” Associated Press, October 1, 2025