2025 Government Shutdown Resources

Last updated: October 31, 2025

Furloughed Government Employees

• Apply for Unemployment Assistance: FloridaJobs.org
• Apply for Reemployment Assistance.
  • Choose "Layoff" as the reason: When asked for your reason for separation, select "Layoff" and indicate that you are scheduled to return to work.
  • Repayment is required: All unemployment benefits received will need to be repaid once you receive back pay from the government.

Delayed SNAP Benefits

• Emergency Response Food Distributions
• School meal programs are not affected – breakfast and lunch will continue as usual for children in public schools.
• Other Resources by Feeding Tampa Bay

Medicaid and Temporary Cash Assistance (Non-Legal Issues)

• Florida’s Medicaid and Temporary Cash Assistance are not impacted by the federal government shutdown at this time.

Section 8 Payments

• Payments will continue: Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) payments are being made through mid-November 2025 due to pre-committed funding.
• Tenant's share of rent: Tenants must continue to pay their portion of the rent as usual.
• Paused applications and inspections: New voucher applications, and new housing inspections will be paused until the government reopens. 

Other Help

• Get up-to-date information on United Way Suncoast's Government Shutdown Resources Hub or call 211.