The federal government shut down last week for the first time in nearly seven years after lawmakers could not agree on a temporary budget. Democrats and Republicans in Congress appeared to be no closer to a compromise Thursday afternoon and continue to blame each other.

Based on past shutdowns, most recently the 35-day stoppage in 2018-19 during President Donald Trump’s first term, there will be widespread impacts that could worsen the longer the government remains unfunded.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about what this means.

Can I still travel?

Yes, but it may not be smooth. 

While air traffic controllers, transportation safety workers and other essential federal employees at Portland International Jetport are showing up for work as usual, jetport authorities are warning travelers they may still experience delays triggered by irregular staffing at other U.S. airports.

Air traffic control services will continue, but those workers will not be paid. Other essential services, including certification and oversight of commercial airplanes and engines, and TSA screening also will continue.

However, if workers are not being paid, there is no guarantee they won’t call out sick, which could create problems.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday reported staffing issues at airports in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia, and at its air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The agency temporarily slowed takeoffs of planes headed to the first three cities.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said in a statement last week that shutdowns “erode the layers of safety that allow the flying public to arrive safely and on-time to their destinations.”

The 2018-19 shutdown ended largely because several air traffic controllers, who were working but not being paid, walked off the job.

Who else is being forced to work and not get paid?

It’s still not clear which employees are being temporarily furloughed or required to work without pay. Workers deemed essential will be asked to work without pay, but each agency has latitude to determine which workers are essential. Those employees will receive back pay once the shutdown is over.

Unlike in past shutdowns, the Trump administration also has pledged to lay off federal workers, although specifics have yet to be announced. Trump said in a social media post Thursday that he plans to target “Democrat Agencies” but didn’t explain what that means.

What about military members?

Most military operations and veteran benefits will continue uninterrupted, but pay for active military and civilian workers will be delayed. That includes roughly 2,500 National Guard troops here in Maine.

What will happen to Social Security? Are local offices open?

Social Security benefits will continue amid the shutdown, but some workers could be furloughed, which could result in delays processing new applications. Local offices remain open.

Will federal student loan payments be affected?

No. The U.S. Department of Education says it will continue to disburse student aid through Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans to millions of students across the country, including in Maine.

If I get SNAP or WIC, will those benefits continue? For how long?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will continue to provide benefits during the shutdown “subject to the availability of funding,” according to contingency plans the Department of Agriculture posted this week.

If the shutdown persists, available funding could dry up. A spokesperson for the Food Research & Action Center, a national nonprofit that focuses on nutrition, said Thursday that it “would be difficult for WIC to maintain operations if a shutdown goes beyond a week.” Approximately 17,000 low-income families with young children receive WIC benefits in Maine.

What if I’m on Medicare or Medicaid?

Health care coverage for recipients of Medicare and Medicaid — federal programs that cover older, low-income and disabled residents — won’t disappear during the shutdown because they are funded through next year. However, changes to some benefits, including telehealth services, could disrupt care, as could a reduction in the workforce.

Will I still get mail?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is an independent agency that doesn’t rely on federal funding sources, so its operations will not be interrupted.

Can I visit federal parks, like Acadia?

Yes. A contingency plan the National Park Service released Tuesday night said parks remain partially open during the shutdown.

Open-air sites — such as most park roads, outlooks, trails and some memorials — remain accessible to the public. Restrooms remain open, and trash is still being collected.

The National Park Service advised, however, that emergency services will be limited. Buildings that require staffing, such as visitor centers, are closed.

The park service says the road up Cadillac Mountain may close to vehicle traffic intermittently, as it did Thursday before reopening Friday; a notice on Acadia’s website said the decision on whether to open the road to cars will be made on a daily basis as the shutdown continues.

Maintenance of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through western Maine and ends in Baxter State Park, has been suspended, which could impact hikers.

Are members of Congress still working?

Yes, and they will still get paid. If people are struggling to get answers from a federal agency, they should contact their senators or representatives.

Here’s how to reach Maine’s members of Congress:

Sen. Susan Collins: 202-224-2523

Sen. Angus King: 202-224-5344

Rep. Chellie Pingree: 202-225-6116

Rep. Jared Golden: 202-225-6306

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Oct. 3 to update information about closures of the road up Cadillac Mountain.