New York, NY – As of October 3, the federal government is still shut down. While the majority of funding for older adult services has already been disbursed, federal funding will be drastically impacted if the shutdown extends for a month. LiveOn NY issued the following statement on the shutdown:

“Decisions being made in our capital are jeopardizing older New Yorkers’ health and safety – from access to healthcare and food to the programs that keep them in their homes,” said Allison Nickerson, Executive Director at LiveOn NY. “It is unacceptable that, as always, older adults, workers, and marginalized communities are the ones having to bear the weight of funding fights. Congress must prioritize a budget that fully funds critical older adult services and gives Americans the support they need to age in their communities.”

Here’s what older New Yorkers and advocates need to know about key federally-funded programs:

Area Agencies on Aging: AAAs throughout the state will not be affected by the shutdown until after December.
Direct Benefits for Older Adults: The shutdown will not affect the payment of cash assistance, unemployment, Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.

Social Security offices will not be able to provide benefit letters or earning statements during the shutdown.

SNAP: The October allotment will not be affected, but future allotments may be. 92% of USDA staff will be furloughed, which will likely affect New York State’s cost burden. People should continue to apply for benefits and recipients should continue to recertify. More info here.
Hospital at Home Program: The Medicare-sponsored HAH telehealth program is directly affected: hospitals have been forced to discharge patients due to the shutdown, leaving many seniors without telehealth services.
WIC: The program will continue, but may be affected later in the year.

As the forecast of federal budget cuts remains unclear, LiveOn NY’s Age Strong campaign is redoubling its advocacy for New Yorkers at the state and city level, calling for bold investments in affordable housing, food and nutrition, and community infrastructure to allow New Yorkers to age in dignity.

LiveOn NY will continue to monitor the situation to keep providers and advocates informed as details emerge.