US Government Shutdown Halts Military Paychecks, Sustains Social Security Benefits

The U.S. government shutdown, initiated on October 1, 2025, has led to furloughs of many non-essential federal employees and work without pay for essential federal workers, including military personnel, air traffic controllers, and VA medical staff. Despite the shutdown, mandatory spending programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and food assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC continue to operate, although some food assistance programs may face funding shortages if the shutdown prolongs. Military paychecks for the first half of October are expected to be unaffected, but subsequent pay periods could experience delays, prompting legislative efforts like the "Pay Our Troops Act of 2026" which has yet to pass. The shutdown stems from disagreements primarily over funding priorities, with Democrats demanding additional spending for healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants and other initiatives, which Republicans oppose. The economic impact appears limited so far, as Wall Street remains optimistic, with the Dow reaching record highs amid positive sentiment about AI and energy sectors. However, concerns remain about the long-term effects on federal services, new Social Security applications, and the welfare of vulnerable populations dependent on government programs.