What Does the Federal Government Shutdown Mean for Social Security?

Due to the shutdown of the federal government that began Oct. 1, many people are concerned about the impact on Social Security benefits and other functions, until the crisis is resolved.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided official notice that Social Security, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to beneficiaries will continue with no change in payment dates.

See also: Informacion sobre el cese de servicios

Social Security field offices remain open with limited services, but Social Security card centers are closed. Hearing offices remain open to conduct hearings before Administrative Law Judges.

Field offices will be able to provide only the following services. Online services also will remain available (see online list below):

• Help you apply for benefits.
• Assist you in requesting an appeal.
• Change your address or direct deposit information.
• Accept reports of death.
• Verify or change your citizenship status.
• Replace a lost or missing Social Security payment.
• Issue a critical payment.
• Change a representative payee.
• Process a change in your living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only).

The SSA will not be able to provide the following services during the shutdown:

• Issue new or replacement Social Security cards.
• Replace your Medicare card.
• Issue a proof of income letter or Benefit Verifications.
• Requests from third parties for queries.
• Social Security Number Verifications.
• Public Relations and training.
• Representative Payee Accountings.
• If your visit involves any Social Security-related service not listed above, no assistance will be available.

Online services will remain open:

• Apply for retirement/spouse's benefits.
• Apply for disability benefits.
• Apply for Medicare.
• Apply for Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.
• Get a retirement benefit estimate.
• Use the benefit planners to calculate retirement, disability and survivor’s benefits.
• Change your address or telephone number.
• Get a replacement Medicare card.
• Request a proof of income letter.
• Sign up for or change direct deposit or Direct Express.
• Get a Form 1099/1042S (Social Security Benefit Statement).