As the federal government shutdown continues, the City of Lauderhill has released a public advisory outlining how key federal programs and benefits are being affected, urging residents to stay informed and check directly with agencies for updates.
According to the city, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue as scheduled, and local Social Security offices remain open with limited services, including benefit applications, appeals, and replacement card requests.
Medicare payments and claims are also continuing; however, pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities have expired, and funding for community health centers has lapsed. These centers may continue operating temporarily using existing funds but could face disruption if the shutdown persists.
For Medicaid and CHIP, coverage will continue through the remainder of 2025. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports sufficient funding into early fiscal year 2026, though some administrative delays are expected.
CMS has also paused telehealth reimbursement payments submitted after October 1. Providers can still file claims, but payments will not resume until the shutdown ends, which could create a backlog requiring congressional approval.
Food assistance programs are among the most vulnerable. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be unable to cover full November benefits if the shutdown extends, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warning of potential delays or partial distributions due to a $2 billion funding gap.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is continuing with state-managed funds for now, but future payments could be impacted if the shutdown continues and state reserves are depleted.
The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program is also at risk, with benefits possibly beginning to lapse as early as November 1 unless additional emergency funding is approved. Temporary funds are only guaranteed through October 31, and the National WIC Association is seeking $300 million in emergency aid to sustain operations into mid-November.
Lauderhill officials are encouraging residents to:
-
Confirm their benefit status directly through official program portals.
-
Contact local program offices before visiting in person.
-
Monitor federal agency websites and social media for verified updates.
For more information, residents are advised to follow official communications from their respective benefit agencies and the City of Lauderhill.
