How does a government shutdown affect Social Security payments? Answering SSA questions
Although the government shutdown has put a pause on numerous federal services, the 74 million Social Security beneficiaries should expect to continue receiving payments as normal.
But other services run through the Social Security Administration, aka the SSA, are expected to be impacted by the government shutdown.
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How does a government shutdown affect Social Security payments?
On Sept. 24, a contingency plan was released by the SSA that outlined the services that would and wouldn’t be available during the shutdown.
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The main benefit types of retirement, disability, survivor, family, Medicare and supplemental security income are set to continue with payments for now.
“We will continue activities critical to our direct-service operations and those needed to ensure accurate and timely payment of benefits,” the contingency plan read.
Tourists leave the Capitol Visitors Center after finding it closed due to the federal government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2025.
Social Security services during the shutdown
Local offices are set to remain open throughout the shutdown, with hearings before administrative law judges still possible. But certain services may be reduced or cut in their entirety.
Out of the approximate 51,000 employees, approximately 6,000 are to be temporarily discharged from their jobs.
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Like other essential federal workers, the SSA employees working throughout the shutdown won’t be paid.
Based on the contingency plan, the following services are to remain available:
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Applying for benefits.
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Requesting an appeal.
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Changing address.
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Submitting direct deposit information.
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Reporting a death.
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Verifying or changing citizenship status.
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Replacing lost or missing Social Security payments.
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Obtaining an expedited payment in emergency situations.
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Changing a payee.
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Obtaining a new Social Security card.
The contingency plan noted that the discontinued activities are as follows:
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Submitting benefit verification.
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Recording corrections or updates.
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Answering Freedom of Information Act or third-party query requests.
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Verifying proof of income.
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Processing overpayment.
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Replacing Medicare cards.
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How will Social Security be impacted in a long-term shutdown?
If the government shutdown continues for an extended period, certain Social Security protocols may be affected.
On Oct. 15, consumer price index data is set to be released. This data is then to be used by the SSA to announce the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments later in the month.
But the government shutdown may delay the release of this data, meaning that the SSA will have to push back their adjustments. Estimates from September pointed to a potential increase in SSA payments next year, according to CNBC.
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Since certain Social Security benefits receive mandatory funding through the Social Security Act, benefit types such as retirement, survivor and disability should continue uninterrupted.
On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income, which is a needs-based program, is funded through appropriations made by members of Congress. This means that set funds are limited — however, payments are expected to be available through December for now.
Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@gannettnj.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: How does a government shutdown affect Social Security payments?