Wondering if your Social Security check, food stamps, unemployment or veterans benefits will continue if there is a government shutdown?
Congress failed to pass the budget by midnight on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, leaving many people affected by the shutdown.
Based on what has happened in past government shutdowns, Social Security, Medicare, unemployment and SNAP food stamp benefits will continue in the event of a shutdown.
However, some programs, like WIC, will come to a halt.
Veterans will be able to access health care, but if they receive benefit payments from the VA, funding may stop if the shutdown lasts more than 30 days.
Here's what to expect if the government shuts down at midnight on Monday:
- Social Security and Medicare benefits will continue to be paid in the event of a shutdown.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as the food stamp program, benefits will continue. Expect your monthly benefits to be deposited on your EBT card on October 1. In addition, free school lunch and breakfast programs at many schools across the country will continue to run.
- Unemployment benefits: Payments will continue to go out as scheduled. New applications may be delayed.
- WIC: This program supplies pregnant women and children with checks for supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education. In the event of a government shutdown, this program could be halted.
- Veterans Health Benefits: Any health benefits offered to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs will be available, including in-patient hospital care, mental health counseling and prescriptions at VA health clinics.
- Veterans Pension and Compensation Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs stated on Saturday that if a government shutdown lasts at least a month, not all compensation and pension payments would continue. Spokeswoman Victoria Dillon told CNN that the "benefits are provided through appropriated mandatory funding, and that funding will run out by late October."
If you are applying for federal benefits, expect processing delays. The delay also applies to anyone who has appealed a case for benefits that were denied.
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