US Federal Government Shutdown and the Impacts on Relocation Services

What Is a Federal Government Shutdown?

As of 12:01 a.m. October 1, multiple agencies of the US federal government have ceased or limited their operations and services. Congress was unable to pass appropriations bills that fund these operations and until an agreement is reached and signed by the President, the US government is shut down.

Which Agencies Remain Open During a Federal Government Shutdown?

Many agencies of the federal government are deemed essential, and the employees of those agencies are required to continue to report for work. These agencies include: 

What Is the Impact to Relocation Services? 

Relocation services may be impacted by the federal government shut down in some areas, for example:

• US Passport offices are open as are US overseas Consulates, but in an extended government shut down, they may experience staffing shortages and service delays for approval of applications
• Employers are still required to complete I-9 employment eligibility verification documents, however, the E-Verify process for doing so online is suspended during the government shutdown
• Social Security offices and call centers will be open, but services may be delayed due to staffing shortages
• Departments of Motor Vehicles are state-run (not federal) agencies and are open for service; however, motor vehicles offices will require first time applicants to provide social security information. If there is a delay in obtaining a social security number, the driver’s license application will also be delayed
• Banks and financial institutions also require social security information to open accounts, and that process will likely be delayed if the applicant has not received their social security number
• Schools in the US are managed at the local level and not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown. Some federally funded educational and nutritional programs may be suspended or curtailed during the shutdown
• Airport travel may be impacted if TSA is short staffed. Travelers should plan for longer lines at US airport security
• Disaster Relief agencies are open to service critical needs. In the event of a major weather event such as a hurricane or flooding, or other natural disaster such as wildfires, agencies will coordinate emergency services

What Are 'Non-Essential' Services and How Are They Impacted? 

The federal government employees approximately 3 million people delivering services ranging from national parks and museums management, to food and drug safety, to weather reporting, to statistics and data management. Many of these services will be reduced or suspended during a federal government shut down but should not directly impact most relocation-related services.

The President may also direct agencies to reduce, furlough, or layoff agency employees. 

How Long Will the Federal Government Shutdown Last? 

The houses of Congress will continue to meet and vote on appropriations bills. Until a negotiated agreement is reached, which could take days or weeks, government operations will be impacted. The last government shut down lasted 35 days and it is unknown at this time how long this shutdown will last.

Tailored How Frequently Learning for Each Destination and Role 

Dwellworks will provide updates via email advising clients of significant changes in government agency operations/availability. We are communicating daily with our network of 1000+ local destination consultants to assess impacts on the ground and in local communities.  Our Consultants can provide updates on local services to transferring employees on a per instance basis. 

Note: The impacts of the US Federal government shutdown will change over time based on funding and staffing. All information provided in our FAQs is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.