When a government shutdown occurs, it raises concerns about how federal services and payments will be affected. For millions of Americans relying on Social Security benefits, the big question is whether their payments will be delayed. The reassuring answer is no-Social Security payments will continue even if the government shuts down.
This is because Social Security benefits fall under the category of “mandatory spending,” which means they are not dependent on Congress passing a new federal budget to keep them going. As a result, payments for retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits remain uninterrupted during a shutdown.
What happens to Social Security payments during shutdown
Unlike other federal programs, Social Security is funded through payroll taxes and the Social Security Trust Fund, not the general federal budget. The trust fund operates independently of the annual appropriations process, meaning payments are automatically disbursed regardless of a government funding lapse.
However, while payments continue without interruption, some services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may experience delays. During a shutdown, a portion of SSA employees are typically furloughed, which limits the agency’s capacity to offer certain non-essential services.
One of the key areas affected is the processing of new Social Security benefit applications. Individuals who apply for benefits during a shutdown may encounter longer processing times since fewer employees are available to review and approve claims.