What A Government Shutdown Means To You

The finger-pointing continues unabated in Washington as The Obama administration and Congress continue to squabble over how to continue funding the United States government. The question most people have is, "How will a government shutdown affect me and my family?" Here are some answers.

NBC has a list of common benefits and services that may or may not be affected.

--AIR TRAVEL. Federal air traffic controllers would likely remain on the job and airport screeners would keep funneling passengers through security checkpoints.
--BENEFIT PAYMENTS. Social Security and Medicare benefits would keep coming, but there could be delays in processing new disability applications. Unemployment benefits would still go out.
--MAIL. Deliveries would continue as usual because the U.S. Postal Service receives no tax dollars for day-to-day operations.
--RECREATION. All national parks would likely be closed, as would the Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo in Washington.
--MILITARY. The military's 1.4 million active duty personnel would stay on duty, but their paychecks could be delayed. About half of the Defense Department's civilian employees could be furloughed.
--FOOD ASSISTANCE. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, could shut down. The program provides supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for pregnant women, mothers and their children. School lunches and breakfasts would continue to be served, and food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, would continue to be distributed.
--VETERANS SERVICES. Most services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue because lawmakers approve money one year in advance for the VA's health programs.

(NBC News.com)

There are other programs that may be affected so make sure you have all the information you need.