How the government shutdown will affect student loans, FAFSA and the Education Department

A government shutdown has locked in as lawmakers remain deadlocked over the 2026 federal budget.
The U.S. Department of Education plans to furlough about 95% of its non-Federal Student Aid staff in the first week.
Student loan payments will still be due, and Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans will continue to be disbursed.
The government shutdown – effective as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over the 2026 federal budget on Oct. 1 – will not excuse Delaware borrowers from making progress on their loans. Borrowers across the country will still need to make payments on their outstanding student debt, as reported by USA TODAY.
The U.S. Department of Education is just one agency reacting to the shutdown, as without any deal,