Government shutdown looming - What does it mean for your family?

It looks like budget negotiations are stalling. If congress cannot reach a budget agreement, the government could face a partial shutdown on Friday at midnight. As of Wednesday afternoon, April 6th, the blame-game continues with Democrats disapproving of the GOP's planned cuts and Republicans insisting on policy "riders" within the budget.

What could this mean for families?

- Essential services are NOT affected. These include police, fire fighting, armed forces, utilities and corrections.
- Federal workers will not be paid until the shutdown ends. In 1995, workers who were asked to work during the 3-week shutdown were paid retroactively
- Federal employees' benefits under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) will continue.
- Some soldiers and military personnel may not be paid. This depends on whether their work is considered 'essential'. Military personnel will be expected to continue working without pay during a shutdown.
- Veterans will have delays to their disability benefits and pension claims.
- Businesses with government contracts will suffer delays in payment and processing of business claims.

More information is available at the US Office of Personnel Management (http://www.opm.gov/) and the White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government)