As we head towards a potential U.S. government shutdown on October 1, folks who rely on Social Security can breathe a sigh of relief: they will still get their monthly checks!
This is because Social Security funding is done through mandatory spending approved by Congress earlier, with no set expiration. So whether you’re a retiree, a person with disabilities, or a dependent of a deceased worker, your payments will keep flowing smoothly if the government shuts down.
That said, some services related to Social Security might be affected. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare pointed out that while payments won’t be interrupted, various services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) could see delays due to the government’s lack of funding past September 30.
According to experts, if lawmakers can’t strike a deal in time, certain functions like benefit verifications or processing requests could be temporarily stalled. Max Richtman, the CEO of the National Committee, confirmed this in an email saying, “The system hasn’t missed a payment in its entire 90-year history and won’t start now! However, customer service may take a hit.” Tasks like tracking benefits, correcting earnings records, and even replacing Medicare cards might face some roadblocks.
The SSA has backup plans in place when shutdowns happen, ensuring that many key personnel continue working even without pay because they deal with essential services. Per their communication to CBS News, they’ll keep sending out Social Security payments regardless of a government closure.
In the event of a funding gap, the SSA noted, “We will follow our contingency plan and ensure that Social Security beneficiaries continue to receive their payments for Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI.”
What Services Might Be Affected by a Shutdown?
Things might get tricky depending on how many employees the SSA deems essential, according to the National Committee.
In a plan released on September 24, the SSA said around 45,000 employees—nearly 90% of its staff—will stay on duty during a shutdown, while roughly 6,200 workers may be placed on furlough.
Issuing details, the plan outlines that essential services will continue, while non-critical activities may stop. Post-shutdown interruptions can include:
- Benefit verifications
- Updating earnings records when not linked to benefit disputes
- Payee account oversight
- Suspension of prisoner-related services
- Third-party information requests
- FOIA requests
- IT and training programs
- Medicare card replacements
- Processing overpayments
When Are Payments Scheduled?
The good news is Social Security payments will keep going out even during a shutdown. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which helps low-income and disabled individuals, can expect their payments on October 1.
Everyone else on Social Security will see their payments on their usual schedules based on their birth dates. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your check arrives on October 8. If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, expect your payment on October 15, and if you were born from the 21st till the end of the month, your check gears up for October 22.
Wayne Winegarden, a senior economist at the Pacific Research Institute, summed it up well: “If you’re a Social Security recipient, you’re going to get your check, and that’s definitely a good thing!”
