Government shutdowns aren’t just headlines in the media—they affect real lives. From missed paychecks to delayed public services, shutdowns can bring serious disruption—especially for households with lower incomes, federal workers, and service employees in DC.
Here’s how the shutdown could affect you or your loved ones, and where to turn for support—including where to find free or low-cost resources like food, healthcare, and housing, how to access emotional support through a community-led support group, and how to connect with our free legal and financial counseling services at Tzedek DC.
How Could a Shutdown Affect You or Your Loved Ones?
Here are some of the impacts DC residents may feel.
Delayed government services
Includes passport applications, small business loans, food safety inspections, and FEMA disaster work for any disaster that happens during the shutdown.
Disruptions to food & health benefits
SNAP (food stamps): The USDA confirms that SNAP benefits will stop on November 1 if the shutdown is still in place.
WIC (Women, Infants & Children): USDA confirms that WIC benefits will stop on November 1 if the shutdown is still in place.
Medicare & Medicaid will continue, but staffing shortages could delay services.
Housing delays
Because the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has expired, and because Congress is not passing legislation during the shutdown, the program has not been extended. Therefore, no new policies can be created, and policy renewals are paused, which may delay home closings.
Disruption in DC’s court system
Agencies like the DC Superior Court, Public Defender Service, and the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency will operate in a limited capacity. Jurors are still required to report. For more information. see here: https://www.dccourts.gov/
Thanks to emergency legislation passed by the DC Council, the DC Office of the Secretary has the authority to issue marriage licenses during the shutdown.
Economic ripple effects in DC
Local businesses, especially restaurants and cafés that serve federal workers, will lose foot traffic and income, as they did during the 2018-2019 shutdown.
Metro will operate as usual but may face funding shortfalls.
All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will be closed.
Tipped and hourly workers—especially in hospitality—could be hit hardest.
Impacts on Federal employment & unemployment
The DC unemployment rate is already higher than the national average. A prolonged shutdown or federal layoffs will widen that gap—affecting long-term stability for our city’s workforce.
Need Help Finding Food, Housing, or Healthcare Right Now?
If you or someone you know is in urgent need of support, we recommend using FindHelp.org—a free national tool that connects people to local services by zip code.
You can use this website for:
Food pantries and grocery assistance
Financial assistance
Free or low-cost medical and dental clinics
Mental health providers
Clothing, housing help, and more
Tip: The desktop version of the site is easier to navigate than the mobile version.
We also highly recommend calling or emailing ahead to confirm the resource or service availability, as some listings may be out of date.
Community Resource: Free Support Group for Government Workers
A free online support group, Together Through the Shutdown, is being offered by The Imago Center of Washington, DC, created to support federal workers and contractors during this difficult time. (This is not a Tzedek DC program.)
Together Through the Shutdown provides a space to share, connect, and find support.
Start Date: October 9 (meets every Thursday until the shutdown ends)
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Free to join
Facilitated by Latasha (Harrison) McFarland, a licensed clinician at the Imago Center.
Includes guided discussions, coping strategies, and peer support.
Register here: https://t.e2ma.net/click/qwfqtj/yevofivf/i6lrj2
Please share with anyone in your network who might benefit.
Tzedek DC is Still Open—and We’re Here to Help
If you're facing legal or financial hardship because of the shutdown, our team is here for you. We will continue to offer free legal and financial counseling for DC residents.
Reach out now: https://www.tzedekdc.org/legal-services-contact-us
Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at (202) 274-7386.
Please note: If you are a new client requesting financial or legal assistance via voicemail or online submission, our response time may be up to 10 business days for an intake.