FLINT -- The federal government could be days away from a shutdown if lawmakers on Capitol Hill are unable to pass spending measures to keep Washington D.C. functioning. But what would a shutdown mean to you? 

What would happen if you rely on vital federal programs like Social Security or food stamps? What about that tax refund you may be expecting? 

NBC25 did some digging.  We found that while key services like Social Security and essential programs like military operations and air traffic control will continue, a government shutdown could create at least a few headaches for you. 

For starters, that tax refund may not come in time, especially if you are expecting it around March 4^th.  That is near the time lawmakers have to get spending items in order and there is widespread speculation they may not be successful.

“The government’s hotline will be shutdown so they wouldn’t be answering any questions,” said Bill Tadrick of Tadrick’s Tax Service in Burton.  “Also they wouldn’t be sending any refunds out.”

Other areas affected include the federal courts. They are not expected to shut down entirely, but a slowdown could aggravate attorneys like Jeff Clothier of Flint, who frequently litigates cases at the federal court house downtown.   

“With the possibility of a federal shutdown looming, who knows what’s going to happen?” Clothier said. 

Court officials are advising federal judges to have contingency plans to make sure they can operate with only essential staff and expenditures, which means cases could slow down if not come to a grinding halt.

“When I first started practicing law,” Clothier recalls, “the federal stuff was mostly the big big drug cases and white collar cases.  Now because of these (law enforcement) grants, a simple CCW (carried concealed weapon) or a felon in possession of a firearm, these cases are now handled by the federal courts,” he said.

The last government shutdown took place back in 1995 when then-President Bill Clinton and Congressional Republicans clashed over the budget.  Essential services continued though national parks closed. Shutdowns also took place under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

NBC25 Talkback: Are you worried about what the federal shutdown means to you?  Do you think Republicans and Democrats in Congress can pass a budget without a shutdown? Share your thoughts and comment below!