Current:Home > ScamsGovernment shutdown would impact many services. Here's what will happen with Social Security. -TradeBridge
Government shutdown would impact many services. Here's what will happen with Social Security.
View
Date:2025-04-19 13:53:34
The clock is ticking for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to find a compromise to keep the federal government running and sidestep a costly shutdown.
The specter of a federal government shutdown, which would begin on October 1 if a solution isn't found by then, is raising questions for Social Security recipients about how a stoppage might impact their monthly benefit checks. Experts said there's some good and bad news for the 66 million Americans on Social Security.
Would a government shutdown affect Social Security checks?
First the good news: A shutdown won't impact Social Security checks, according to Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank.
"Social Security and [Supplemental Security Income] benefits will be paid without interruption," Romig told CBS MoneyWatch. Social Security Administration "field offices and phone lines will be open to take applications and help beneficiaries."
She added, "Generally, applicants and beneficiaries should experience the same service as usual."
That's because Social Security is funded through permanent, rather than annual, federal appropriations, which means the checks will still go out.
The Social Security Administration said last month that it will continue with "activities critical to our direct-service operations and those needed to ensure accurate and timely payment of benefits" in case of a shutdown.
Would a government shutdown affect Social Security services?
Now for the bad news: Yes, some services might be impacted by a shutdown, although recipients will continue to receive payments even if other government agencies close. That's because about 15% of the Social Security Administration's staff would be furloughed if there's a government shutdown, Romig noted.
"A few customer service activities will be suspended, such as benefit verifications and replacement Medicare cards, but SSA is allowed to keep on staff that ensure the payment of Social Security and SSI benefits" because the checks are guaranteed by law, she explained.
Another trouble spot could be state disability determination services, which make medical decisions on whether people applying for Social Security disability payments qualify for them, Romig said.
The Social Security Administration "urges states to continue their work during a shutdown, but the decision lies with state governments and in the past some have closed," she noted.
Because there are already huge backlogs in disability decisions, a government shutdown could worsen delays, Romig said.
How is this different from the debt ceiling crisis earlier this year?
Earlier this year, the U.S. was facing a funding crisis as President Biden and Republican lawmakers were at loggerheads over whether to raise or suspend the nation's debt limit.
While that crisis was ultimately averted, the nation at the time was close to reaching the so-called "X date," the fiscal limit when the U.S. would run out of money to pay its bills unless Congress raised or suspended the nation's debt ceiling. If the U.S. had crossed that point, the Treasury Department would have defaulted on its obligations, something that has never before happened.
Under that scenario, a default could have affected Social Security recipients by delaying their checks.
However, the current crisis is about appropriations bills that must be passed by Congress and signed by the president ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on October 1. If the funding deadline passes without new authorization from Congress, the government must fully or partially shutdown, depending on the funding to each agency.
- In:
- Social Security
veryGood! (4916)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Julia Fox and Amber Rose Reflect on Their Relationships With Mutual Ex Kanye West
- iHeartRadio Music Awards 2023 Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look as the Stars Arrive
- 2 skeletons found in Pompeii ruins believed to be victims of earthquake before Vesuvius eruption
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- See Lady Gaga Dressed as Harley Quinn on Joker: Folie à Deux Film Set
- Here’s Why TikTok Is So Obsessed With e.l.f. Makeup — and Why You Will Be, Too
- Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson and Troian Bellisario Have a Pretty Little Liars Reunion
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Allow TikTok's Diamond Lips Trend to Make You the Center of Attention
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Need to charge your phone? Think twice — 'juice jackers' might come for you
- Flawed chatbot or threat to society? Both? We explore the risks and benefits of AI
- See Lady Gaga Dressed as Harley Quinn on Joker: Folie à Deux Film Set
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Transcript: New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Face the Nation, May 21, 2023
- Shakira and Gerard Piqué's Sons Support Dad at Barcelona Soccer Game
- Amazon Reviewers Call These On-Sale Wrist Towels a Must-Have Beauty Hack
Recommendation
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Temporary ceasefire reached in Sudan fighting, U.S. says
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Shares Major Life Update in Surprise Jersey Shore Appearance
Remembering America's first social network: the landline telephone
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Mae Whitman Reveals How Independence Day Co-Star Jeff Goldblum Inspired Her to Take New TV Role
German police investigate suspected poisoning of Russian exiles: Intense pain and strange symptoms
5 questions about the new streaming service Max — after a glitchy launch