By the Public Interest Law Section of the Wisconsin Bar . . . helpful and cute.
PILS Tip of the Month: Federal Government Shutdown – a Q&A
I’ve got a Court Date in the Western District this afternoon. Should I show up?Yes! Federal Courts are open for the time being. They’ve got about 10 business days and then they’ll re-assess.
Will Society Security payments continue?
Yes. There will be no change in payment dates. (See: http://ssa.gov/shutdown/) Social Security field offices will be open with limited services. Hearing offices are open. Social Security Card centers are closed. Applications and appeals for benefits can be submitted.
Will Medicare/Medicaid benefits be affected?
At this time, Medicare and Medicaid Benefits continue, but benefits could be affected with an extended shutdown.
What about Veterans Benefits?
Similar to Medicare and Medicaid, benefits will continue, but a prolonged shutdown may result in funding being exhausted. However, FOIA requests won’t be processed, claims appeals won’t be decided, and regional offices’ public contact will be suspended during the shutdown. See: http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/
Field_Guide_20130927.pdf Do WIC grants to states continue? Will Food Stamps programs operate?
Yes.
OK, but will our food be safe?
As much as it was before. Meat and poultry inspections continue. See http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/
portal/fsis/home Will the Federal Government guarantee my client’s Home Loan?
No. The Federal Housing Administration isn’t making new home guarantees.
Can my interns file their Student Loan applications?
Yes. The Department of Education is accepting and processing FAFSA applications. See http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Will the mail be delivered?
Yes. Mail services continue and post offices remain open. See https://www.usps.com/
What about Immigration?
Except for e-verify, all enforcement, as well as citizenship and immigration services continue to operate. See: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/
site/uscis I’m a federal employee. What should I do with my time off? Can I take that tropical vacation I’ve been dreaming of?
I hope you’ve already got a passport. Expedited passports that were already in progress will be processed, but no new passport applications will be accepted. See: http://www.state.gov/m/rls/
2013/214880.htm Well, if I can’t get out of the country, can I at least go on a road trip to see Old Faithful?
Sorry, Yellowstone and all National Parks and Monuments are closed to the public.
