How does a government shutdown affect my financial aid?
If a federal government shutdown occurs, you may be concerned about your funding—here’s what you need to know.
- Most federal financial aid will remain unaffected. If you are due a disbursement, you should still receive it.
- You can continue to file the FAFSA, make corrections, and contact FAFSA support centers. The 2026–2027 FAFSA is available now—submit it each year to stay eligible.
- The 2025-2026 FAFSA applies to UMGC courses that begin through April 2026.
- The 2026-2027 FAFSA applies to UMGC courses that begin after May 1, 2026.
- You may experience delays in customer service or processing if Department of Education staffing is reduced.
- For the latest updates, visit studentaid.gov.
