What The Government Shut Down Means For New Jersey

After Congress failed to compromise by a midnight deadline on Monday the federal government has started to go into shutdown mode at offices in New Jersey and across the country.

A U.S. Park Police officer stand guard in front of the closed Lincoln Memorial (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

About 800,000 federal workers, many already reeling from the effect of automatic budget cuts, would be ordered to report to work Tuesday for about four hours — but only to carry out shutdown-related chores such as changing office voicemail messages and completing time cards.

In New Jersey, beach replenishment projects by the US Army Corp of Engineers will continue. Liberty State Park is open as it is run by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

New money will not be sent to Sandy relief funds controlled by HUD but existing funds will be available including programs run by the state to help pay homeowners rebuilding costs not covered by insurance.

Many low- to moderate-income borrowers and first-time homebuyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays, and President Obama said veterans' centers would be closed.

Some critical services such as patrolling the borders and inspecting meat would continue. Social Security benefits would be sent, and the Medicare and Medicaid health care programs for the elderly and poor would continue to pay doctors and hospitals.

U.S. troops were shielded from any damage to their wallets when Obama signed legislation assuring the military would be paid in the in the event of a shutdown.

FULL COVERAGE: Budget Impasse Forces Government Shutdown