Social Security Update Explains How Government Shutdown Impacts Recipients
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Wednesday that benefit and Supplemental Security Income payments will continue during the government shutdown, although some services will be limited.
Why It Matters
The federal government shut down early Wednesday after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill Tuesday night, with back-to-back votes in which each party blocked the other’s stopgap plan. It’s the first shutdown since the 35-day lapse in 2018-19 during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Federal agencies have begun implementing contingency plans, scaling back services and furloughing thousands of employees until Congress reaches a deal. Pay for many federal workers will be delayed, with some employees required to work without pay. Essential programs, such as Social Security, will continue due to funding through a protected trust, although staffing shortages may result in reduced and slower service.
What To Know
Amid mounting concern and confusion about what happens during a government shutdown, the SSA released an update, stating, “We want you to know that during the federal government shutdown, payments to all people who currently receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will continue with no change in payment dates. You will still receive your payments on time.”
It also noted that while local and hearing offices remain open, “we may not be able to assist with all in-person service requests at this time.”
Specifically, the update noted that SSA “cannot provide proof of benefits letters, or update or correct earnings records,” adding that “these in-person services will resume when the federal government is operating normally.” In addition, the offices cannot replace a Medicare card.
Customer service wait times are also expected to rise due to fewer staff. The shutdown could also delay the release of key inflation data used to calculate the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), potentially postponing its announcement, which is scheduled for October 15.
What People Are Saying
Representative Brittany Petterson, a Colorado Democrat, said in a Wednesday statement: “A shutdown does not impact payments of Social Security benefits, including Disability Income or Retirement Income. Social Security benefits are paid out of a trust fund that is not subject to Congressional appropriation and is considered mandatory spending. Benefit payments will still be disbursed, though in previous shutdowns benefit verification and card issuance services ceased. This can cause delays in recipients having their entitlement claims processed.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said in an X post on Tuesday night: “Democrats may have chosen to shut down the government tonight, but we can reopen it tomorrow. All it takes is five Democrats to join Republicans to pass the clean, nonpartisan funding bill that’s in front of us.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in an X post on Tuesday night: “Republicans JUST VOTED DOWN our bill to avoid a government shutdown at midnight and address the health care needs of the American people. Republicans are plunging us into a government shutdown rather than fixing their health care crisis.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said in an X post on Wednesday: “Democrats are holding the American government HOSTAGE so they can give FREE health care to ILLEGAL ALIENS and force $1.5 TRILLION in new partisan spending demands. WE CANNOT GIVE IN TO SUCH NONSENSE.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in an X post on Wednesday: “Democrats are fighting to protect your health care. Donald Trump and Republicans have shut down the government because they want to take your health care away.”
What Happens Next
A funding measure needs 60 votes to pass, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, neither measure was able to garner enough votes.
The SSA noted that once the shutdown ends, the agency will post updates on social media about its services.