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Government Shutdown 2026

WHAT IS A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

Some federal agencies cannot spend or obligate money without an appropriation (approval) from Congress (both the Senate and House must agree). If Congress fails to enact the appropriations, the Federal Government must stop all non-essential functions. This is known as a “Government Shutdown”. If Congress enacts some but not all 12 of the appropriations, those parts of the Federal Government without an approved appropriation must stop work. This is known as a “Partial Shutdown”.

Certain other benefits are funded in a way that allows payments to continue during a Government Shutdown. Military Retirement, VA benefits, Social Security, and Medicare payments continue though many services including Veteran Affairs and Social Security could be limited.

Often when Congress doesn’t finish the appropriations in time, a separate temporary spending bill is enacted to keep the Federal Government open. This is called a “Continuing Resolution (CR)” and allows the Federal Government to operate at the previous year’s level without starting any new contracts or making any new hires.

Banking institutions: USAA and NFCU are offering 0% interest rate loans to help cover missed paydays. Use the links below to see the details: FOOD, GAS, RENT, and OTHER COSTS:

Information For Federal Civilian Employees:

Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (Click image to read)

 

 

Pay and Benefits Information for Employees (Click image to read)

 

 

Department of Navy Office of Civilian Human Resources FactSheet (Click image to read)

 

 

 

 

Department of Navy Office of Civilian Human Resources Furlough Concerns (Click image to read)

 

 

 

 

Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund

 

WHISTLE:  A portal for federal employees to communicate to the Congressional oversight committee on any issue with regards to their employment as affected by the government shutdown.

Links and Important Information:

San Diego Emergency Action Group (EAG)
The San Diego Emergency Action Group (EAG) is a community partnership of local non-profit organizations that work together to support San Diego’s military and veteran families during times of crisis. Formed in response to emergencies like the Murphy Canyon plane crash and a federal government shutdown, the EAG was created to make sure that when challenges arise, our military community never faces them alone.
The EAG brings together several trusted organizations that each play an important role in helping service members, veterans, and their families:
  • San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC): Brings the community together to coordinate support, share information, and advocate for San Diego’s military families.
  • Feeding San Diego: Ensures no military family goes hungry by providing reliable access to nutritious food through distribution events and community partnerships.
  • Support The Enlisted Project (STEP): Offers financial counseling and emergency assistance to help service members and recently transitioned veterans build financial stability.
  • Zero8Hundred: Guides service members and their families through the transition to civilian life by connecting them with resources for employment, education, and well-being.
  • Armed Services YMCA San Diego (ASYMCA): Strengthens military families through childcare, youth programs, and mental health services that build resilience and community.
By combining strengths, the EAG provides food assistance, financial and mental health support, and resource navigation when military families need it most. Together, the EAG stands ready to respond, ensuring that San Diego’s military and veteran community continues to be supported, connected, and cared for during any emergency.
Please see below the individual members of the EAG and the services they provide.  Click on the service you need to access that support.

Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

Navy Federal Credit Union® Government Shutdown Loan Program


USAA Government Shutdown Program:

STEP – Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) | military non profit | San Diego, CA, USA · Emergency Financial Assistance, apply here

· Essential Needs Distributions (non-perishable food, produce, diapers and more. Register here

· Warehouse Visits (Baby items, car seats, cribs, clothing, household goods, hygiene items etc.). Apply here

Zero8hundred – Zero8Hundred | San Diego’s Military Nonprofit Organization

· Financial services

· Legal services

· Wellness support

Armed Services YMCA – ASYMCA San Diego

· Food support

Feeding San Diego

· Food support – Find Food

Additional Federal Government Shutdown Resources

Furlough Relief Assistance-PenFed

First Command – Government Assistance

Federal employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) – for Civilian employees

Military Star Card Members – Assistance on Commissary Purchases

Semper Fi Fund:  Get Assistance – Semper Fi & America’s Fund .  May provide financial assistance and tailored support to help with the expenses incurred during initial hospitalization and throughout recovery.  Supports critically wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers, veterans, and military families.
Brother Benno :  Support Services & Aid – Brother Benno Foundation – Serving Unsheltered and Poor in North County San Diego .  Resource Connection and some limited financial supports.  Must fit income requirement and reside in North County San Diego.
USA Cares:  Military Assistance Response Program – USA Cares .  Assists veterans, servicemembers, and their families facing temporary financial hardships as a result of a military service-related incident or medical hardship.
211 San Diego
211 San Diego Government Shutdown Assistance Map: (SAM)
San Diego Humane Society: Community Pet Pantry
San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) – Emergency Rental Assistance Inquiry – (619) 231-9400
If you have a resource you’d like added, please let us know.  Thank you and together, we can support our servicemembers, government employees, and their families!

Information for veterans