6 Tips on How to Survive the Government Shutdown for New Yorkers

Bronx Voice 

October 17, 2025

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NEW YORK - As the US government shutdown drags on, New Yorkers are expressing concern over programs being shut down and services being cut. Below are tips on how to survive the shutdown.

1. Understand What Happens in a Government Shutdown

Let’s start with the basics — what actually happens when the U.S. government “shuts down”?

A shutdown isn’t like turning off the lights in Washington; it’s more like putting half the government on pause because Congress couldn’t agree on a spending plan. 

Each year, lawmakers have to pass funding bills to keep federal agencies running. When they don’t — boom — the money stops flowing, and most agencies have to close or scale way back until funding is restored.

Here’s where it gets tricky: not everyone in the government goes home. Some employees are labeled “essential”, meaning their work is considered critical to public safety or national security — think air traffic controllers, border patrol, or the military. These people still have to show up to work, even though their paychecks might be delayed until the shutdown ends.

Everyone else — often hundreds of thousands of people — is furloughed, which is basically unpaid leave. You’re told not to come in, not to check email, and to just wait. It’s stressful, especially when bills don’t stop just because the government did.

Meanwhile, everyday services that rely on federal funding start to feel the pinch.

• National parks close or limit access.

• Passport and visa processing slows to a crawl.

• The IRS might delay refunds or freeze customer service lines.

• Federal grant money, research programs, and small business loans all get stuck in limbo.

Some programs, like Social Security, Medicare, and mail delivery, keep going — they’re funded differently and aren’t affected by these budget battles. But for a lot of people, especially federal workers and contractors, a shutdown means uncertainty, delayed income, and a lot of waiting.

The bottom line? A shutdown doesn’t mean the government disappears — it just goes into crisis mode. Knowing which services are affected (and which aren’t) helps you plan ahead and stay calm while the political storm passes.

2. Protect Your Finances

When a government shutdown hits, the first question most people ask is, “How am I supposed to pay my bills?”

It’s a fair question — and the good news is, there are smart ways to stay afloat while the paychecks are on pause.

Let’s be honest: you can’t control when Congress decides to fund the government again, but you can control how you manage your money in the meantime. The goal is to stretch what you have, avoid unnecessary debt, and keep your essentials covered until things get back on track.

Start with a “bare-bones” budget

This is your financial emergency mode. Focus on what truly matters: housing, food, utilities, transportation, and medication.
Press pause on non-essentials — dining out, new gadgets, subscriptions you barely use — anything that doesn’t help you get through the month. If it doesn’t feed you, shelter you, or keep the lights on, it can wait.

Talk to your lenders before things get tight

Many banks, credit unions, and credit card companies expect to hear from federal workers during shutdowns — and a lot of them actually offer special relief programs.

You might be able to skip or delay payments, avoid late fees, or temporarily lower your interest rate. The key is to reach out early, before you miss a payment. It’s a lot easier to negotiate when you’re proactive.

Use your emergency fund strategically

If you’ve built up an emergency fund — great job, this is exactly what it’s for.

That said, don’t drain it all at once. Use it for essentials only, and plan to rebuild it once back pay arrives (most shutdowns do include back pay for federal employees, though not always for contractors).

Avoid high-interest debt if possible

It’s tempting to reach for the credit card or take out a quick loan to bridge the gap, but interest piles up fast. If you must must borrow, try to use lower-cost options — like a personal loan from your credit union or a 0% APR credit card — rather than payday or cash advance loans.

Check if you qualify for unemployment

If you’re a furloughed contractor, you might actually qualify for unemployment benefits in your state. Federal employees typically don’t (because they’re expected to get back pay later), but contractors often can — and that can make a big difference in covering bills.

The bottom line: this is a time to be resourceful, not fearful. A shutdown is stressful, no doubt about it, but most people who plan ahead and communicate early with lenders make it through without major long-term damage.

Think of it like financial triage — stabilize now, patch what you can, and rebuild when the checks start rolling again.

3. Manage Everyday Needs

When the government shuts down, life doesn’t stop — you still need to eat, pay bills, and take care of your family. This is where things can feel the most frustrating, especially if your paycheck is delayed. But with a little planning and some creative thinking, you can keep your essentials covered without panicking.

Let’s start with food.

If you rely on SNAP benefits or other federal food assistance, you might still receive them for a short time even during a shutdown — but if the closure drags on, payments could get delayed.

That doesn’t mean you need to fill your pantry like it’s the apocalypse, but it’s smart to stock up modestly on affordable staples — rice, beans, pasta, canned goods, frozen vegetables. The goal is to make your food stretch, not to clear out the grocery store.

Also, don’t overlook local help. Food banks, churches, and community centers often expand their services during shutdowns, especially in areas with lots of federal workers. There’s no shame in accepting help when you need it — that’s what these programs are for.

Next up: healthcare.

The good news is that most healthcare programs continue running even if the government isn’t fully funded.

• Medicare and Medicaid keep operating.

• VA hospitals and clinics stay open.

• If your insurance comes through your federal job, your coverage should continue — but double-check to make sure your premiums are still being deducted properly once pay resumes.

If you need to fill prescriptions, try to get a 90-day supply of any essentials if possible, or ask your pharmacist if they can extend medication until your insurance payments catch up.

Don’t forget childcare.

This one can sneak up on families. Some federally funded childcare programs — like Head Start centers — may have to close or cut hours during a shutdown. If you rely on one of those programs, it’s smart to have a backup plan in place, whether that’s a relative, a friend, or a local daycare that can temporarily step in.

If you’re part of a parenting or neighborhood group, this is also a great time to share resources — babysitting swaps, carpools, or meal exchanges can take a lot of pressure off everyone.

Other essentials

Utilities, phone bills, transportation — all the usual suspects still expect to be paid. This is where your “bare-bones” budget from Section 2 really helps. If you can, contact your utility providers to ask about hardship programs or flexible payment plans. Many of them quietly offer help during shutdowns; you just have to ask.

The bottom line?

A government shutdown may cause chaos in D.C., but your daily life doesn’t have to unravel with it. Keep your focus on the basics — food, health, and family — and tap into local and community support when you need to. You’re not alone in this, and with a little planning, you can ride out the uncertainty without letting it take over your everyday life.

4. Plan for Service Delays

One of the most annoying parts of a government shutdown isn’t always the missed paycheck — it’s the waiting. Things that normally move at a steady pace suddenly slow down or stop altogether. And while that’s frustrating, a little planning (and patience) can save you a lot of headaches.

Let’s walk through what to expect.

Taxes: same deadlines, slower everything

Yes, you still have to file your taxes during a shutdown — the IRS doesn’t take a vacation.

But here’s the catch: refunds and customer service can be delayed if staff are furloughed. That means if you’re expecting money back, it might take longer to arrive.

If possible, file electronically — that usually helps speed things up a bit — and make sure all your documents are in order to avoid extra delays once things reopen.

Travel plans? Brace for bureaucracy.

If you’re planning a trip abroad, get ready for some potential headaches.

Passport and visa processing often slow to a crawl during a shutdown because the offices that handle them operate with reduced staff. Some locations might even close temporarily.

If your passport is about to expire or you need a new one, handle it early — don’t wait until the last minute. And if you’re already traveling soon, check the State Department’s website regularly for updates.

TSA and air traffic controllers are considered essential, so airports stay open, but long lines and low morale can be part of the deal since many of those workers aren’t being paid during the shutdown.

Small business owners and researchers, take note

If you depend on federal grants, SBA loans, or research funding, those programs typically freeze until the government reopens. Applications stop moving, approvals stall, and funding can’t be released.

If that’s you, now’s the time to pause big spending decisions and keep communication open with your contacts or program officers. Once funding resumes, there’s usually a big backlog — so be prepared for a slow restart.

The good news: some things keep running

Not everything grinds to a halt. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments keep going out — those programs are funded separately.

Same with the U.S. Postal Service — your mail will still show up, even if it’s a few minutes late.

Bottom line

During a shutdown, patience becomes a survival skill. The best move is to get ahead of anything that involves the federal government — whether that’s renewing a passport, filing taxes, or applying for benefits.

Think of it as weathering a storm: you can’t control when it passes, but you can make sure your house (and paperwork) are in order when the clouds clear.

5. Use Community Support

When the government shuts down, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own — but you’re really not. Across the country, communities step up in big and small ways to help people get through the uncertainty. Whether it’s your local credit union offering payment relief or a neighbor dropping off groceries, there’s a surprising amount of support out there once you know where to look.

Let’s talk about where to start.

Lean on local resources

If your paycheck’s on pause, don’t wait until things get desperate to ask for help. Many local organizations are ready for situations exactly like this.

• Food banks, churches, and community centers often set up special distributions for federal workers and contractors.

• Some local businesses and restaurants even offer free meals or discounts during shutdowns.

• And credit unions (especially ones serving government employees) frequently offer short-term, low- or no-interest loans to help bridge the gap until back pay arrives.

It’s not charity — it’s community. You’ve spent years contributing taxes and public service; now it’s okay to let others lend a hand while things get sorted out.

Check for special programs

During longer shutdowns, many big organizations — from utility companies to mortgage lenders — roll out temporary assistance programs. These can include deferred payments, no late fees, or flexible payment plans.

It’s worth a few phone calls or website visits to see what’s available. Often, they don’t advertise these programs loudly; you just have to ask.

Unions and employee associations can be lifesavers

If you’re a member of a union or professional association, reach out to them early. They’re usually on top of the latest updates about relief funds, legal rights, and benefit options. Some even organize food drives or emergency grants specifically for members affected by shutdowns.

Even if you’re not currently active in your union, now’s a great time to connect. They’ve helped people through this before — they’ll know what to do.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Sometimes the most meaningful help doesn’t come from an organization at all. It’s a friend offering to watch your kids for a few hours. It’s a neighbor sharing extra groceries. It’s coworkers trading tips on which credit unions are being the most flexible.

Shutdowns are tough, but they also remind us that community still matters — that people look out for each other when things get hard.

The takeaway

You don’t have to tough it out alone. Between local charities, financial institutions, unions, and the kindness of neighbors, there are plenty of safety nets to catch you while Washington sorts itself out.

Asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. The people around you want to help; sometimes they’re just waiting for you to reach out.

6. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Let’s be real — a government shutdown doesn’t just mess with your paycheck. It messes with your peace of mind. The uncertainty, the waiting, the constant news updates — it all takes a toll. You might feel frustrated, anxious, or even angry, and that’s completely normal.

When your routine gets thrown off and money feels tight, stress can sneak up fast. So, just as you’re taking care of your finances and daily needs, it’s just as important to take care of you.

Acknowledge what you’re feeling

First things first: don’t beat yourself up for feeling stressed or upset. This situation is hard. Even people who seem calm on the outside are probably feeling it, too.

Sometimes, just saying out loud, “Yeah, this is really stressful,” can be grounding. It gives you permission to deal with the emotions instead of pretending they’re not there.

Stick to a routine

Shutdowns can make your schedule feel out of control — especially if you’re furloughed and not working. Creating a daily routine helps bring back a sense of structure and normalcy.

• Wake up and go to bed at consistent times.

• Eat real meals (not just snacks and coffee).

• Get outside or move your body every day, even if it’s just a walk around the block.

It sounds simple, but routine helps keep your brain from slipping into that “everything is chaos” mindset.

Stay connected

It’s tempting to isolate yourself when you’re stressed or embarrassed about money — but that only makes things harder.

Reach out to coworkers, friends, or family members who get it. Many federal employees and contractors have been through shutdowns before, and they’ll understand exactly what you’re dealing with.

Sometimes just venting over coffee or swapping tips on how to stretch your budget can make you feel less alone.

Use available support programs

Most federal agencies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer free, confidential counseling. Even if you’re furloughed, you often still have access. If you’re not a federal worker, look for community counseling centers telehealth services that charge on a sliding scale.

Don’t wait until you’re at a breaking point — talking to someone early can make a huge difference.

Limit the doom-scrolling

It’s easy to get stuck refreshing news feeds, hoping for updates from Congress — but that constant drip of uncertainty only makes the anxiety worse.

Try setting boundaries: check the news once or twice a day, then step away. Replace that screen time with something that recharges you — a hobby, a workout, a good book, or just some quiet time.

Remember, this will end

Every shutdown does end. It might not feel like it when you’re in the middle of it, but it always does. The paychecks return, the offices reopen, and life starts to feel normal again.

Until then, give yourself permission to slow down, ask for help, and take care of your mental well-being. You can’t control the politics — but you can protect your peace.

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