Impact of Government Shutdown on Social Security: What to Know

Contact Your Elected Officials

Checks will keep coming for 70 million Americans, although some agency services will pause as thousands of employees are furloughed.

The government has shut down after lawmakers failed to break a deadlock and pass a stopgap spending bill, but one of the most pressing questions for millions of Americans has a simple answer—Social Security checks will keep coming.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) made clear in a contingency plan dated Sept. 24 that retirement, survivor, and disability benefits are not subject to annual budget fights and will continue to be paid on time. These programs are funded through payroll tax revenues and trust funds established under the Social Security Act, which shields them from the effects of a government shutdown.

“Funding for the programs under Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act will continue, even in the event of a lapse in appropriations,” Tom Holland, the agency’s chief financial officer, wrote in the contingency plan. He said the agency would continue “activities critical to our direct-service operations and those needed to ensure accurate and timely payment of benefits.”

That means the roughly 70 million people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will keep getting paid on time, regardless of how long the shutdown lasts, even as large parts of the federal workforce are furloughed.

The agency’s plan cites longstanding legal opinions from the Justice Department that permit continuation of work “by necessary implication” if it is essential to carrying out funded programs.

Because benefit checks are funded, the staff who are needed to process and deliver them will remain on duty, even when annual funding lapses. Roughly 45,600 of the agency’s 51,825 workers will be “excepted” from furlough under such legal carve-outs.

Field Offices Stay Open

For the public, that means most SSA services will remain accessible. People will still be able to apply for benefits online, by phone, or in person at field offices, which remain open during a shutdown.

Claims, appeals, and critical post-entitlement updates such as changes of address or direct deposit information will continue to be processed. Hearings for disability cases will also proceed, with administrative law judges and decision writers deemed essential and exempt from furlough.

Other staff who will continue to work include frontline employees, IT specialists who maintain the agency’s vast computer systems, and fraud prevention teams.

About 6,200 employees, mostly in administrative and support roles not directly linked to payments, will be furloughed without pay until the shutdown ends. Furloughed workers are typically granted back pay once funding is restored, although that requires congressional approval.

Some Services Will Pause

Still, the shutdown is not without effects. The SSA says it is halting work that does not directly affect payments. That includes routine processing of overpayments, Freedom of Information Act requests, replacing Medicare cards, and public outreach.

Non-critical prisoner reporting activities, some quality-review functions, public relations, and staff training will also be suspended until the government reopens.

“We are committed to ensuring that, consistent with the constraints of a partial shutdown, we conform with applicable law, regulation, and guidance, yet continue to serve the American people in these difficult times,” Holland said.

This mirrors past shutdowns. During the Clinton-era lapse and again in 2013, new claims slowed and offices scaled back, but checks continued to arrive. Legal experts have pointed out that a 1996 law and subsequent Justice Department opinions have consistently protected benefit payments from disruption.

By Tom Ozimek

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

If Federal Food Assistance Programs End, Theft Begins

Many patriotic Americans well versed in American History have...

Tucker EN FUEGO: Taking Stock of MAGA, Ten Years on

Draining of the Swamp has yet to come anything close to fruition, as the creatures that populate said Swamp yet cling bitterly to power.

Tylenol’s Headache

When President Trump, RFK Jr., and Dr. Mehmet Oz called for pregnant women to avoid using acetaminophen, Tylenol got the headache.

American Restaurants Are Going Broke

U.S. restaurant bankruptcies surged to 22% in 2020 amid COVID-19 and stayed elevated at 14% last year due to Biden’s “Build Back Better” policy.

Kamala Harris Teases New White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’

Kamala Harris hinted in a BBC interview that she may run for president again in 2028, saying she hasn’t ruled out another White House bid.

TCM Classic Tour at Warner Bros. Studio: Finding Stardust in Today’s Hollywood

Warner Bros. launched the TCM Classic Films Tour in April 2024, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the studio’s historic movie legacy.

NBA Player Explains Why He Refused to Kneel

Orlando Magic’s Jonathan Isaac drew attention in 2020 for standing during the anthem and refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, citing his Christian faith.

Trump Says No Plans to Name White House Ballroom After Himself

President Trump dismissed reports on Oct. 24 suggesting that he was planning to name the upcoming $300 million White House ballroom after himself.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.

Ontario to Pause Anti-Tariff Ad After Trump Terminates Trade Talks With Canada

Ontario pauses its TV ad campaign after Premier Doug Ford’s talk with PM Mark Carney, following backlash that halted U.S.-Canada trade talks.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central