No, the USPS is not shutting down; it's an independent, self-funded agency that continues operating even during federal government shutdowns, with mail delivery and post offices remaining open as usual, funded by sales, not taxes. While the USPS faces long-term financial challenges, its essential services continue, and it remains open during other disruptions like weather events or holiday closures, with service alerts available on their website.
Is the USPS affected by government shutdown 2025? Postal services, including mail delivery, are continuing through the government shutdown 2025. The USPS confirmed on Sept. 25 that its operations won't be interrupted by the shutdown, and post offices will remain open for "business as usual."
From October 1 to November 12, 2025, the federal government of the United States was shut down as Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year.
In observance of the Independence Day holiday, Postal Service facilities will be closed for retail services, and there will be no regular mail deliveries (except for holiday premium Priority Mail Express) on Friday, July 4, 2025. Normal retail, delivery, and collection schedules will resume Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Longer Delivery Times Ahead
The USPS is revising its delivery performance targets for 2025, reducing its on-time goals for both first-class two-day mail (from 93% to 87%) and three-to-five-day mail (from 90% to 80%). This means: Rural customers or those farther from USPS hubs may face delays.
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be closed for the holiday. Since July 4 is a Federal Reserve banking holiday, most bank branches across the country will also be closed. However, online banking services and ATMs will remain available.
The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a government shutdown. The U.S. Postal Service is an independent entity that is funded through the sale of its products and services, and not by tax dollars.
For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened.
Yes, for most postal retirees, enrollment in Medicare Parts A & B becomes mandatory to keep their new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) starting in 2025, with specific exceptions for those already retired before Jan 1, 2025, or those age 64+ as of that date, due to the Postal Service Reform Act. Without Medicare Part B (unless excepted), you lose your prescription drug coverage (Part D) under PSHB, as PSHB plans integrate with Medicare, requiring Part D enrollment for drug benefits.
The Trump administration has claimed that around 140,000 people had been deported as of April 2025, though some estimates put the number at roughly half that amount.
During a shutdown: Live assistors on IRS phone lines and at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) are unavailable. Only automated toll-free telephone applications and online self-help via IRS.gov remain operational.
So while USPS employees often feel like federal workers, they're technically in a separate category. The U.S. Postal Service employs approximately 635,000 career employees and 145,000 non-career workers—making it one of the largest civilian employers in the United States.
The latest USPS mailing services price changes will took effect on July 13, 2025. The new rates included a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class® Mail Forever stamp from 73¢ to 78¢. On average, the changes raise mailing services prices 7.4%. Special services products will also be affected by the new rates.
Federal employees who work during a shutdown don't get paid until the shutdown ends - including the military. This is a large reason for the delays in services that you may experience during a shutdown.
No, the President cannot directly fire the U.S. Postmaster General; only the independent U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors has that authority, though the President appoints the Board members (with Senate confirmation), giving them indirect influence to shape the Board that oversees the PMG. The Postmaster General serves at the pleasure of this Board, not the President.
No. As of July 2023, non-barcoded regular stamps are no longer valid for postage. However, you can exchange them for barcoded ones using our Stamp Swap Out scheme.
USPS is shifting how—and how quickly—it delivers packages as part of a massive cost-cutting plan. While most mail won't be affected, those in rural areas or sending across the country may want to build in some extra buffer time.
Because we are an independent entity that is generally funded through the sale of our products and services, and not by tax dollars, our services will not be impacted by a government shutdown.
November 2025 Social Security: Who gets paid and when during government shutdown. Social Security payments will still go out on schedule this month despite the government shutdown — and SSI recipients already received their November payment early due to a calendar quirk. The government shutdown is still going on.
The length of shutdowns vary, as they last until Congress passes and the President signs the appropriations bills to fund the government. The most recent shutdown occurred in 2018-2019 and lasted 35 days.
Will Mail Be Delivered on Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025? Independence Day, otherwise known as the 4th of July, is a federal US holiday. Similar to other federal holidays, this means USPS and local post offices wont be deliverying.
July 4, 2025 is a Federal holiday, Independence Day, and government offices will be closed.