The federal government has shut down. Here's what will be affected across the country

toggle caption Rebecca Noble/Getty Images

As of 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, the federal government shutdown after lawmakers in Congress failed to reach an agreement on how to extend funding.

Reporters across the NPR Network are digging into the ways a government shutdown would be felt across the country.

Here's what they found.

Jump to state-specific impacts.

If you're flying soon …

Air traffic controllers and most Transportation Security Administration employees are considered "essential workers" and have to stay on the job, even if that means working without pay while the rest of the federal government shuts down.

If the shutdown dragged on, travelers could see more "sick-outs" of key personnel. That happened during the 2018-2019 government shutdown as workers showed their anger over missing paychecks.

Sponsor Message

Lastly, if you're planning on any international travel in the new year, you may need to build in even more time for passport renewals. U.S. passport agencies will remain open, but it could take longer to process applications with some employees furloughed.

toggle caption Nathan Howard/Getty Images

What about the mail?

The U.S. Postal Service will keep the mail moving as usual. USPS is primarily self-funded and doesn't depend on the appropriations process to continue running as usual.

Social Security, SNAP, WIC and safety net programs

Social Security, VA and other benefits will continue. There could still be some delay in services, such as processing applications.

During a shutdown, the first to feel the pinch could be the mothers and young children who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition P