Government Shutdown 101
A government shutdown hurts all americans
On October 1, 2025, the Republican controlled House of Representatives and Senate failed to pass a government funding bill that includes affordable healthcare. When the government shuts down, federal agencies have to stop all "non-essential" operations and put nearly a million employees on furlough (unpaid leave). Thousands of essential personnel, like law enforcement, air traffic controllers, and TSA, continue to work without pay.
Below, learn more about impacted services and resources available for furloughed employees and Americans who rely on the government to function equitably and consistently.
Disrupted Services Include
Impact on Black Americans
According to the most recent reports, Black Americans make up nearly 20% of the federal workforce. This means Black families are more likely to have their incomes affected by furloughs.
Though this is the first shutdown in six years, we've been here before. The U.S. Government has shut down 22 times in the last 50 years, with the longest shutdown lasting for 35 days in 2019 under the Trump Administration.
If you've been furloughed:
- Consider Applying for Unemployment Benefits: You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you're not working and not being paid. Note: If you receive unemployment benefits and later receive back pay, you may be required to repay the unemployment benefits.
- Contact your Mortgage Lender, landlord, or creditors: Explain your situation and request flexible payment options. Federal student loan payments are unaffected by the shutdown.
- Stay informed: Check with your agency's HR office for official information and sign up for NAACP email updates.
- Explore Financial Programs: Emergency grants, loans, and no-or-low interest loans from credit unions may be available. For more information on financial support, visit:
- Financial Assistance from Credit Unions and Banks
- American Bankers Association: www.aba.com
- MD|DC Credit Union: www.mddccua.org
- Emergency Grants and Loans
- The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA): www.feea.org
- Government and Community Programs
- USAGov: www.usa.gov
- Unemployment Insurance
- National Employment Law Project: www.nelp.org
- Financial Assistance from Credit Unions and Banks
If you rely on Government Services
How We Got Here
The federal government shut down because the Republican controlled House of Representatives and the Senate support government funding bills that do not include paying for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which help millions of Americans afford health insurance.
If the Republican controlled Senate does not vote to fund these tax credits, more than 20 million Americans could see their health insurance costs skyrocket on Nov. 1, and another 4 million could lose coverage entirely. Click here to see how much your insurance could go up by.
The Republican controlled Senate and its leader, Senator John Thune, refuse to deal in good faith and put forward a bill that funds the ACA. Because of this disagreement, the government does not have an agreed budget to operate.
What Happens next?
There is no telling when the shutdown will end. Democrats are holding firm on demands to fund healthcare that the White House and Republican controlled House and Senate refuse to provide. SNAP: Benefits run out Nov. 1. Because of this Administration's policy of cruelty, they have chosen not to tap emergency funding to pay for these programs and are instead using suffering as a pawn.
The longer the shutdown continues, the more severe the impact will be on the federal workers.
In the meantime, make your voice heard. Click here to contact lawmakers and demand that they protect affordable healthcare.