Consequences of the US Government Shutdown: The Impact on Millions

Fri Oct 31 2025 03:52:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the US government shutdown extends into its fifth week, millions of Americans face significant economic consequences. From food assistance cuts to military pay delays, here's how the shutdown is affecting everyday lives.

The US government shutdown continues to severely impact millions, with critical programs like SNAP and LIHEAP on the brink of collapse. Military families, federal workers, and citizens reliant on essential services are feeling the strain as bipartisan negotiations continue to stall, raising concerns over the potential long-term effects of the deadlock.

The US government shutdown has entered its fifth week and there is no clear end in sight. With Democrats and Republicans deadlocked over passing a spending plan that would reopen federal agencies, millions of Americans are feeling economic pain that could soon grow worse.

The fiscal fight means millions of Americans may not receive food aid, thousands of troops could have to work without pay, and millions may go without heat.

Here’s how the shutdown has affected everyday people.

Food assistance

More than 40 million Americans use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) to feed themselves and their families. While that program had enough funding to survive the first four weeks of the shutdown, it is expected to run out by November 1. Snap benefits may lapse for the first time in history, threatening food security for millions.

Groups that provide food support are already under strain, and many are anxious about the repercussions of losing Snap. Recently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency to aid three million residents who may lose food assistance due to the shutdown, as residents begin stockpiling food.

More than half the states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration over this food aid freeze. While some states can cover shortfalls temporarily, others, like Massachusetts, are unable.

Military pay

If the administration does not intervene, over a million military members may miss their paychecks this week. Approximately 25% of military families are considered food insecure, with many relying on food assistance programs. The Pentagon has accepted a $130 million donation to help, but without intervention, paychecks could be delayed or drastically reduced.

In an attempt to manage payroll, the White House plans to allocate funds from various military accounts; however, many families have already reported being underpaid during the shutdown.

Heating during winter

About six million Americans rely on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap) for help with utility costs. This program usually disburses funds in mid-November, but with the shutdown, these payments may not be forthcoming, potentially leaving thousands without heating as temperatures drop.

Federal civilian workers

Thousands of federal workers are missing paychecks due to the shutdown, which is creating dire circumstances. Many are already seeking food aid, and if the scorched Capitol Hill negotiations continue until December, 4.5 million paychecks will be withheld.

Air traffic controllers

Essential air traffic controllers who missed their paychecks are fulfilling their roles without compensation, leading to widespread service disruptions and delays in air travel. This situation reflects growing tensions within government functions as employees voice their frustration over the lack of timely payment.