Navigating the Federal Shutdown
Support for Bay Area Families
The 2025 Federal Government Shutdown affects key public programs nationwide, but most essential services in California—including WIC, Medi-Cal, Medicare, Social Security, and Unemployment Insurance—remain available.* United Way Bay Area’s Federal Shutdown Resources guide explains what families can expect, how to access benefits, and where to find updates on food assistance, housing help, health coverage, and financial support.
While some federal offices such as the IRS and passport services may experience slower processing times, programs that meet basic needs continue to operate. Residents can visit official sites like BenefitsCal.com, MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov, and IRS.gov or call 211 to stay informed and connected to local resources during the shutdown.
*At the time of this posting these services remain available, however, that is subject to change. We are updating resources as quickly as we can.