When Government Portals Typically Have Issues
US government websites face predictable traffic spikes tied to filing deadlines and benefit periods.
Early morning (before 8 AM ET) or after 9 PM ET.
NIH.gov Not Working? What to Do
Good News: NIH.gov is currently working normally. However, government portals can go down anytime due to high traffic. If you're still facing issues, try these steps:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Check your internet connection
- Try using a different browser or device
- Try accessing during off-peak hours (early morning or late night)
- Use the mobile app if available
- Restart your router/modem
- Disable VPN if you're using one
Alternative Ways to Access:
- Use NIH.gov mobile app
- Visit offline service center or facilitation desk
- Call helpline for assistance
- For labor/business portals, try state single window system
- Try alternative portal URL if available
Government Portal Service Patterns
Government portals follow fixed maintenance windows and face load spikes around filing deadlines.
Government sites often extend deadlines when their portals go down near due dates. Try off-peak hours (early morning) for best performance during deadline periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Government Portal Issues (US)
US government site not loading? Here are your alternative access options.
Call 1-844-USA-GOV1 for general federal service assistance
Use USA.gov as alternative entry point — links to working service endpoints
State-level services often have separate working portals — try state.gov alternatives
For IRS issues: call 1-800-829-1040 or visit local Taxpayer Assistance Center
Federal sites must comply with Section 508 — accessibility alternatives exist
Government Service Down (US) — When to Worry
US government portal outages and your options for escalation.
Routine maintenance. Most .gov sites update overnight ET.
Try mobile app version or call the agency's phone line.
Contact agency directly via phone. Request deadline extension if filing-related.
Contact congressional representative's office. File with agency Inspector General if deadline affected.
Congressional representatives can expedite agency responses. Always document outage with screenshots for deadline relief.
