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VERIFY: Can you receive food stamps, school lunches, apply for a passport, enlist in the military during the government shutdown?

How does the federal blackout impact the average person?

Day 17 of the federal shutdown is hitting furloughed employees hard. Lots of people who aren't employed by Uncle Sam are wondering how the blackout could be impacting them.

The Verify team got to work.

SNAP/SCHOOL LUNCH

QUESTION #1:

Can you continue to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the shutdown? Will free school breakfasts and lunches continue to be served?

ANSWER #1:

Snap Benefits, commonly called 'food stamps,' will continue through January 2019. School lunch and breakfast programs have funding ensured through January, into February. Some other food programs like those focused on low-income seniors, women, infants and children (WIC), and Indian reservations, are being supported by state and local funds.

SOURCE #1:

U.S. Department of Agriculture- "USDA Updates Available Functions During Lapse in Funding"

PASSPORTS

QUESTION #2:

Can you apply for, or renew, your passport during a government shutdown?

ANSWER #2:

Yes, you can apply at any passport agency, a post office or library. You can renew your passport by mail.

SOURCE #2:

U.S. Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs- "Passport Services During Lapse in Appropriations"

MILITARY

QUESTION #3:

Can you enlist in the military during the shutdown?

ANSWER #3:

Yes. President Trump signed H.R. 6157 into law on September 28, 2018 funding the DOD through FY2019. DOD offices are not closed because of the shutdown.

SOURCE #3:

Christopher B. Logan, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps.-Defense Press Operations at the Office of the Secretary of Defense

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