Government Hitting Close to Home: What Happens if the Federal Government Partially Shuts Down?

Republican and Democratic lawmakers will eventually make a budget deal. But what could happen in the meantime? To judge by the last time, when the government closed down in 1995-1996: eessential work goes on, but "non-essential" does not. Since that overview is a little ambiguous, Patch explored possible impact on what you might need or want to do after the midnight Friday deadline.

Q: Will my congressman's office be open and taking phone calls or emails to let them know how I feel about this?

A: Still to be determined, but probably not. According to U.S. Sen. John Kerry's press secretary Whitney Smith, if the government shuts down, the question remains as to which staffers are considered "essential" versus "non-essential." Smith says there is a penalty fine for "non-essential" employees volunteering to continue working for no pay. Kerry's Massachusetts offices would most likely have voicemail turned on and emails would be forwarded to the Washington office, Smith said, from which emergency constituent services would be handled.

Q: The IRS: Does this change my income tax-filing deadline?

A: According to USA Today, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman told reporters at the National Press Club Wednesday that refunds could be delayed for taxpayers who file hard copy paper tax returns. Electronically filed returns would be unaffected, he said. A shutdown of whatever length does not change the income tax deadline, which this year is April 18.

Q: My Social Security check?

A: According to About.com, last time the government shut down, current payments were unaffected, but new claims went unprocessed.

Q: And the post office: Will I get my mail?

A: Yes: Many post offices on the Island have posted signs saying that should the government shut down, they will continue to operate per ususal.

Q: Passports and visas?

A: You will still be able to pick up a passport application at your local post office; the processing of said application is less certain. According to AOL News, last time, some 200,000 U.S. passport applications went unprocessed during the shutdowns and between 20,000 to 30,000 foreign visa applications went unprocessed.

Q: How long might this last?

A: About.com listed five government shutdowns since 1981, ranging from less than 24-hours (1981) to five months (November, 1995 to April, 1996).