The U.S. government officially shut down Oct. 1 due to a lapse of funding. According to the Congressional Research Service, when Federal government agencies and programs lack budget authority after the expiration of either full-year or interim appropriations, they experience a “funding gap.”
Due to this, Federal agencies may have to pause their work, or have limited capacity to work on cases.
“Resources are available for the tens of thousands of Federal workers affected by the shutdown. When there is a government shutdown, Federal agencies are required to classify their employees as either “essential” or “non-essential,” states the Government Shutdown Resources webpage on Sen. Jon Ossoff’s website. “The employees classified as “essential” continue to work during the shutdown. However, the employees classified as “non-essential” are put on unpaid furlough.”
Ossoff’s offices in Washington, D.C., and throughout Georgia have remained open and operational during the shutdown and he has created a list of online resources for those impacted by the shutdown.
“Due to the shutdown, depending on decisions from the Trump Administration, some Federal agencies may not begin working on your case immediately, but our office will do our best to get you the assistance you need in a timely manner,” states the website.
Among commonly asked questions, the website states that citizens will continue to receive Social Security benefits and SSI checks, current Medicare and Medicaid recipients will still receive benefits, CMS will maintain the staff necessary to make payments for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and some veterans benefits will remain unaffected.
In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture USDA will continue to administer the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), subject to funding availability. The program for women, infants, and children (WIC) will also continue operations; however, the program is low on funds and participants could experience disruptions if a shutdown lasts longer than a week, according to the National WIC Association.
Head Start Programs and the U.S. Postal Service will be unaffected by the shutdown.
For college students, The Pell Grant and Federal Direct Student Loan programs can still make payments during a shutdown, though staff may be limited if assistance is needed.
For more information on other agencies or specific programs, refer to ossoff.senate.gov/shutdown/.
Locally, Robins Financial Credit Union will offer assistance through its Membership Assistance Program. If you are not a member, anyone can join the program by opening an account online or at the local branch through a $25 deposit.
The Paycheck Replacement Program qualifies current members for a 0% loan equal to the amount of the last direct deposit into the Robins Financial checking account. This is to ensure anyone affected by the shut-down continues to receive a paycheck. Applications for the program can be submitted online at robinsfcu.org/government-furlough.
For members who do not have a direct deposit or new members, a Furlough Loan will be their only option. Upon qualification, the member will receive a low-interest rate loan with an interest rate of 4.99% APR for 6 months.
“This is very low in comparison to a normal loan,” said Vice President of Strategy and Transformation Amy Etheridge.
Lastly, Robins Financial offers the Furlough Skip a Pay Program. Members affected by a furlough can contact the bank to receive a one-month "Skip a Payment"pass on qualifying loans.
“Robins Financial Credit Union is here to assist its communities in any way possible. We recommend anyone who may need assistance, even outside of these programs, to contact us,” said Etheridge. “We will work with you on a case-by-case basis.”
For frequently asked questions, to make an appointment, or apply, visit robinsfcu.org/government-furlough.