Will Social Security Checks Be Paid During a Government Shutdown?
Updated · By Shutdown Tracker
Short answer
Yes. Social Security retirement, disability and SSI payments continue on schedule during a shutdown because they are funded by permanent law, not annual appropriations.
Why payments keep going
Social Security benefits are mandatory spending paid from the Social Security trust funds. They do not depend on the yearly appropriations bills that lapse in a shutdown, so checks and direct deposits continue on their normal schedule.
SSI, which is paid from general revenue, has also continued in past shutdowns.
What can slow down
The Social Security Administration's day-to-day operations are funded through appropriations, so some services can be reduced. In past shutdowns, field offices stayed open for core work such as new applications and appeals, while tasks like replacement Medicare cards, benefit verification letters and earnings record corrections were delayed.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare benefits continue during a shutdown, and Medicaid funding to states has continued in past lapses. Processing of some claims and new enrollments can be slower.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Social Security check be late during a shutdown?
No. Payments have continued on their normal schedule in every modern shutdown.
Are Social Security offices open during a shutdown?
Generally yes for core services, but some tasks such as replacement cards and verification letters may be delayed.