WASHINGTON—Congress has failed to pass a short-term funding bill by its Oct. 1 deadline, and the government has shut down.

The White House and Republicans have been locked in a standoff with Democrats over a stopgap bill that would fund the government through Nov. 21.

Democrats have demanded that several health care measures be included in the legislation, including the extension of certain Affordable Care Act subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year. The Trump administration and Republican leadership have, so far, rejected those demands.

The short-term funding bill passed the House on Sept. 19, but it has failed to advance in the Senate after being blocked by Democrats.

Here’s what to know about how the shutdown could affect you.

What Happens in a Government Shutdown?

During a shutdown, tasks considered “essential” will still be carried out, but “nonessential” federal workers will be sent home without pay. Congress passed a law in 2019 that guarantees back pay after a shutdown is resolved, but if the funding struggle drags on for weeks, it may put a strain on government workers’ pocketbooks.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) normally posts shutdown contingency plans for all agencies on its website but has not updated them for this year as of publication time.

Social Security

Social Security checks will still be sent out, but verification of benefits will be halted, and new Social Security cards will not be issued.

US Postal Service

The mail will continue to run during the shutdown, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

SNAP and WIC Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—better known as food stamps—will continue to provide cash for food. However, some programs may experience hiccups if personnel responsible for distributing those funds, or operating systems for the program, are sent home.

Other programs associated with low-income families, such as the Head Start program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program may be affected.

The IRS

It isn’t quite clear what the Internal Revenue Service plans to do about the shutdown this year. In past years it has slowed down some activities because many of its workers were sent home, but it resumed once the shutdown was over. So pay your taxes, just in case.

Travel

Transportation Security Administration workers are considered essential and will continue to work, but their pay will be withheld until the shutdown is over. Overseas travelers should be aware that it may also become trickier to get a passport or visa, as processing times will be delayed.

Museums and Parks

Tourist destinations such as the Smithsonian Museum or the Washington Monument will not operate during a shutdown. The National Park Service estimates that a shutdown in 2013 resulted in a revenue loss of more than $500 million.

The Federal Court System

Federal courts may not stay on track for long; their funding is estimated to last until Oct. 3, according to a memo issued by Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts Robert Conrad.

The courts were able to stay open longer during previous shutdowns, he wrote, but are now hampered by recent budget cuts. He said a more precise assessment would come after the shutdown.

Small Businesses

The Small Business Administration will stop accepting loan applications and will not review those on hand.

The Military

Service members will still work, but without pay until the shutdown is resolved. Moreover, some civilian contractors deemed nonessential may be laid off until more funds are appropriated.

Veterans will still receive benefits and have their appeals claims processed, but some services may be affected as regional offices will close.

Federal Furloughs and Job Losses

Shutdowns have happened before, and based on those experiences, the Partnership for Public Service estimates that about 848,000 workers may be furloughed, or temporarily sent home, and another 700,000 may work without pay while lawmakers and the White House work out the spending details.

Those numbers are based on 2023 figures and may vary slightly because of this year’s Department of Government Efficiency job cuts.

But there is another wrinkle this time. The White House budget office has asked federal agencies to prepare for workforce cuts if a shutdown is triggered.

This means some federal workers could lose their jobs permanently if an agreement is not reached.

Reuters contributed to this report.