Government Shutdown Resources

As of midnight today, Congress was unable to finalize funding for Fiscal Year 2026, resulting in a federal government shutdown. While some essential services will continue, many agencies are now operating at limited capacity, creating immediate impacts for veterans, businesses, and families across our community. This marks the first federal government shutdown in nearly seven years, underscoring the severity of the current budget impasse.

Key Impacts on Our Community


Veteran Services

  • VA hospitals and clinics remain open, and benefits will continue to be processed.
  • However, services like education and job training programs face delays.
  • Regional VA offices may close, limiting access to support for veterans navigating benefit applications or questions.


Business Travel

  • Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents are required to work without pay, which could result in staffing shortages, flight delays, and longer airport wait times.
  • Passport services may continue temporarily but are likely to be delayed if the shutdown persists.

Small Business Operations

  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) has stopped processing new business loans (7(a), 504), which many small and minority-owned businesses depend on for growth and working capital.
  • Federal contract work may be disrupted, creating cash flow challenges for contractors and suppliers.
  • SBA disaster loans will continue to be available.


Workforce & Education

  • The Department of Education will continue to disburse Pell Grants and student loans, but processing delays, paused grant funding, and reduced support services are expected.
  • This is especially concerning for San Antonio’s workforce pipeline, where employers depend on graduates and trainees to fill critical roles.


Housing & Lending

  • FHA and HUD have paused some new housing loan processing, and USDA loan programs are halted.
  • VA home loan guarantees will continue.

Why This Matters


A shutdown sends ripple effects through our economy, disrupting operations for small businesses, delaying critical services for veterans, and creating uncertainty for employers and families.


Our Commitment


The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber remains committed to keeping our members informed and advocating for solutions that safeguard the stability of our businesses, workforce, and local economy. From delayed paychecks to stalled federal services, the impacts are immediate and real. Many Americans are just one missed paycheck away from hardship — in fact, more than 89,000 Southwest Texans could be forced to make impossible choices between putting food on the table and paying their bills.

If you or someone you know might be affected:

San Antonio Food Bank:

Visit safoodbank.org/help for food assistance and support services.


USAA:

Offering no-interest loans up to $6,000 to military members and families impacted by the shutdown. Learn more here.

As your Chamber, we are committed to standing alongside you. We also want to highlight and recognize organizations that are aiding businesses, workers, and families during this critical time. If your organization is providing support, please reach out — we will proudly acknowledge you as a partner in resilience.

We Want to Hear From You


Please share how this shutdown is affecting your business so we can elevate your stories in our advocacy efforts.

We also encourage you to reach out directly to your representatives to stress the importance of passing a funding bill that protects businesses, veterans, and families. Use this tool to  Find Your Members in the U.S. Congress to send a message today. If you would like assistance, reach out to us directly, and we can provide you with a draft email to send to your representatives.

RESOURCES


San Antonio Food Bank – Benefits Assistance & Food Access

  • They help with applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and other state/federal benefits. Click Here.
  • They also facilitate emergency food distributions and network support through partner agencies. Click Here.
  • TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance Program) is one of their programs. Click Here


USAA Government Shutdown Program

  • USAA is offering no-interest loans and payment relief options for members impacted by a government shutdown. USAA
  • Their programs are designed to help federal, military, or related personnel during funding lapses. Click Here


Workforce Solutions Alamo (Local Job Support)

  • They are encouraging impacted federal workers to attend job fairs and use their helpline (210-224-4357) to explore employment opportunities. KENS5


National / Federal Assistance – FEEA (Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund)

  • FEEA offers Emergency Hardship Loans and Shutdown Grants for eligible full-time federal civilian employees affected by shutdowns. FEEA Fund



CPS Energy


CPS Energy has a variety of assistance programs that offer assistance to customers.

The utility recently launched Assistance Finder, which helps customers apply for bill assistance. Customers can submit an application to gauge which programs they qualify for.


Here are some other CPS Energy assistance programs to know about (descriptions provided by the utility:

  • Burned Veterans’ Discount Program – Program only applies to veterans who have a significantly decreased ability to regulate his or her body’s core temperature because of severe burns received during armed conflict or in combat.
  • Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP) - CPS Energy contributes $1 million or more each year to the REAP. The program helps pay energy bills for customers who qualify for assistance.
  • Budget Payment Plan – Customers’ annual energy bill is averaged over the past year, and a fixed amount is billed, making it easier to budget and predict energy dollars for the year.
  • Senior Citizen Billing Program – Senior customers are allowed additional time to pay the net amount of energy bills.
  • Senior Citizen Late Fee Waiver – Qualifying seniors over 60 years old can sign up to have their late charges waived.
  • Affordability Discount Program – Customers may be eligible for a discount on their monthly service charge.
  • Casa Verde – Qualifying customers can receive an average of $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades to their home at no cost, helping save energy month after month.
  • Disabled Billing Program – Disabled customers on Supplemental Security Income are allowed additional time to pay the net amount of their energy bills.
  • First Responders with Burn Injuries Discount Programs – Our First Responders with Burn Injuries Discount Program provides electric bill payment assistance to those who have significantly decreased abilities to regulate their core body temperatures due to severe burn injuries sustained in the course of providing first responder duties.
  • Critical Care – If you or a dependent living at home must use electrically-operated medical equipment, the CPS Energy Critical Care Program gives you additional time to pay your bills.