October 1, 2025
Federal Government Shutdown Impact
Read the latest information from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) about the 2025 Federal Government Shutdown Impact.
The federal government has officially shut down effective October 1, 2025 after Congress did not pass a funding measure necessary to keep it open.
Therefore, we are sharing the following statement by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, our New York State governing body, about the federal government shut down:
OPWDD services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities will continue during the federal shutdown, and our agency remains committed to each and every person who relies on our support.
As you may have heard, when the federal government suspends operations, there will be an impact on some federal financial benefits; other benefits will not be impacted.
– Social Security Administration: Ongoing payments of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Social Security will not be affected. Offices will stay open but will have a reduction in available services.
– State Supplement Program (SSP) payments: Ongoing payments will not be affected, but changes and new applications normally processed through Social Security will not occur.
– Veterans Administration: Ongoing payments will not be affected. VA offices may be open with limited resources. Tricare will not be affected.
– Medicare: New applications for benefits will not be processed, and requests for Medicare cards will not be completed. If someone has a Part C or Part D Plan, replacement cards should be available since those programs are run through private companies. Payments for services will continue.
– Medicaid: Coverage and payments will continue.
– SNAP (Food Stamps): OTDA has reported that SNAP through the end of October 2025 will not be affected. New applications and change reports will continue to be accepted at the local district offices. If a shutdown continues past October 2025, check the OTDA website otda.ny.gov for the latest information.
The current federal government shut down is concerning to all of us. OPWDD will continue to monitor developments in Washington and keep you informed as the situation evolves.
We all hope federal officials can resolve this soon. In the meantime, Regional Field Office staff and Care Managers will help people navigate any impacts, and our supports and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families will continue.
Person Centered Services will continue to keep our team members posted as it learns more about potential impacts of the federal government shutdown. Care Coordination services will continue as usual.