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Government Resources

RESOURCES

My offices are open, and I urge Republicans in Congress and the Administration to cancel the health care cuts, lower costs and address the health care crisis now. Over 4 million Floridians are facing massive health care premiums hikes. You deserve better. Do not hesitate to contact my Tampa, St. Petersburg and D.C. offices for assistance. Casework assistance times may vary.

This FAQ is based on information currently available information from agencies.

My office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. You can also contact my Tampa, St. Petersburg or Washington D.C. offices.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks? 
Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments and the public will likely experience increased wait times for customer service.  

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.

What is the impact on veterans' services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown.  The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion. Donald Trump has threatened to needlessly fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year. 

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care may cease, but off-base care provided through Tricare is not affected. On-base child care is open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement was also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over. 


Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

Will commercial air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over.

What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. 

What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
FEMA staff will still respond to emergencies. In prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

What is the impact on food safety activities?
Some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed.

Isn’t this just another ploy to give health care to undocumented immigrants?
No. Undocumented immigrants are already prohibited from getting these tax credits. We’re fighting to extend these tax credits so coverage stays affordable for working families, not expanding eligibility to anyone who can’t get them already. In addition, federal law currently prohibits undocumented immigrants from getting comprehensive Medicaid coverage. No one is proposing changing or repealing that law.

Why are you fighting for these tax credits for people making $600,000 a year?
Everyone should have affordable health care. The health care tax credits help people like waiters, rideshare drivers, and Main Street business owners afford to buy their own health care coverage. These tax credits help middle class and working families afford their health insurance premiums. In fact, 90 percent of the tax credits go to individuals making less than $63,000 a year

TAMPA BAY AREA RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL 211 FOR ASSISTANCE DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.

Simply dial “211” to speak to a specialist, or search for your local 2-1-1 website by clicking this link and typing in your zip code and city.

RESOURCE NAVIGATION

FOOD ASSISTANCE

  • Feeding Tampa Bay has several resources for food assistance. Click here for more information on mobile pantry distribution, food pantry, and mobile market grocery.
  • Humane Society of Tampa Bay provides a food assistance program for pets. Free pet food is distributed every Tuesday or Saturday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. For more information, click here.
  • All Faiths Food Bank: Find distribution locations here. 
  • Metropolitan Ministries: Metro Markets are conveniently located in two locations in Hillsborough and two locations in Pasco Counties. Families, Seniors, Veterans, and individuals experiencing food struggles with a functioning kitchen to cook meals are welcome to visit our Metro Markets monthly to shop for shelf stable, frozen and fresh food. 
  • Metropolitan Ministries: Meal Sites – Metro operates 45 partner sites across Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at scheduled partner locations. All people experiencing hunger, no questions asked, are welcome for a sit-down hot meal served by our volunteers. 

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

The Early Learning Coalition may provide childcare assistance for employees working without pay.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

  • Struggling to negotiate your budget with recent loss of income? United Way Suncoast’s coaches can help you build a temporary budget to work through disruptions in pay. To schedule an appointment with a financial coach, click here.

  • Suncoast Credit Union offers loan extensions, consolidations, and personalized support, working one-on-one with members to address unique needs. Suncoast is also offering lifeline loans up to $5,000 at low-interest for members directly impacted by the government shutdown. As the economic consequences of the shutdown become a reality for our members, Suncoast stands at the ready with comprehensive solutions to help them navigate with confidence and ease. Members may contact Suncoast at 813-621-7511 and request to speak with a representative from Member Solutions for existing loan & account support, or request assistance with LifeLine Loans directly at that number.

  • USAA members can apply for a no-interest loan equivalent to one missed paycheck (up to $6,000) if they are employed by an impacted federal agency. Click here for more information on USAA loan eligibility and financial assistance.

  • Existing Florida Central Credit Union members can access the Ca$h Now loan with no credit check and flexible repayment terms. Click here for more information and to apply.
  • Regions Bank provides emergency loans. Click here or visit a Regions branch for more information.
  • Existing members enrolled in direct deposit can access Navy Federal’s Government Shutdown Loan Program offering 0% loans for the duration of the shutdown. Click herefor more information.
  • For households experiencing a financial hardship, Metropolitan Ministries offers limited financial assistance. Attending an orientation session on one of our campus’ lays out availability and the application process. Click here for more information.

TRANSPORTATION

Local federal government employees can receive free bus rides through HART and PSTA with a federal government ID.

FOR MILITARY MEMBERS

  • Air Force Aid Society: Air Force Aid Guard and Reserve Air Force and Space Force members (regardless of duty status) and their eligible family members. Click here for more information about grants and Falcon Loans.

  • EANGUS: We Care for America Foundation is a National Guard Relief Foundation that offers grants and loans for Service members (enlisted and officer). Click here for more information.

  • Navy Marine Corps Relief Society: NMCRS stands ready to help meet the immediate needs of active-duty Sailors, Marines and their families impacted by the impending government shutdown. Click here for more information.

  • VFW Unmet Needs Program.  This program is available to help America’s active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist daily necessities in the form of a grant – not a loan – so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor(s) directly. Click here for more information.