Is mail still delivered during a government shutdown? What to know in California
As the federal government shutdown continues, some Californians are wondering whether mail delivery could be affected.
The government shutdown began Wednesday, Oct. 1, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill ahead of its deadline.
Thousands of federal employees could face layoffs as a result as the shutdown, The Sacramento Bee previously reported, and national parks across California will partially close to visitors.
In addition, getting help with taxes, Social Security and veterans benefits may become even more challenging.
How will the shutdown impact the U.S. Postal Service? Will letters, packages and other mail still reach your home?
Here’s what to know:
Will government shutdown impact mail delivery in California?
No. The U.S. Postal Service is self-funded and won’t be interrupted during a government shutdown. In a statement released Sept. 25, ahead of the shutdown, the Postal Service said its “operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all post offices will remain open for business as usual.”
USPS operates on revenue from postage, products and services rather than taxpayer dollars appropriated by Congress.
As a result, post offices are not impacted by the annual federal budget process affected by a shutdown.
When is mail delivery delayed?
Mail delivery can be delayed by weather, natural disasters, special events and more, according to the USPS.
When wildfires scorched parts of Southern California in January, the Postal Service closed local post offices and limited mail deliveries to “affected areas where it is safe,” the agency said in a Jan. 27 news release.
Also in January, post offices across the United States closed for a national day of observance to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died in December.
USPS offices will close for a total of 11 federally observed holidays in 2025, including Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 13, and Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The USPS posts information online for residential customers and businesses about postal service disruptions.
Where are post offices near me?
To find nearby post office locations, collection boxes and self-service kiosks, go to USPS.com.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Is mail still delivered during a government shutdown? What to know in California."
