As the deadline for a potential government shutdown looms on Oct. 1, many people are concerned about which government services might be on hold while Congress tries to come to an agreement about spending.
For the approximately one in five Americans (according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities) that collected Social Security benefits this year, those monthly payments are likely at the top of the list. Thankfully, Social Security recipients can expect to see their payments, even if the government shuts down.
“Millions of Americans would continue to receive their Social Security, Medicare and veterans benefits even if Congress does not pass legislation to fund the federal government by Oct. 1, when the new fiscal year begins,” said AARP.
NBC News explained that Social Security is considered a mandatory program.
Additionally, it isn’t funded by the shorter-term appropriations bills, so operations and funding don’t stop during a shutdown. Americans who receive Social Security benefits include senior citizens and people with disabilities.
This week, The On Deadline Podcast from Audacy explored the background of why Congress is having a hard time passing a spending bill that would prevent the shutdown from happening. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is currently down almost a dozen votes he needs to pass that bill thanks to members of his own party known as the Freedom Caucus. The Government will shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday without an agreement.
This isn’t the first time lawmakers have treaded close to a government shutdown deadline. It’s not even the first time it has happened this year. Debt ceiling negotiations were also contentious back in May. In August, Fitch downgraded the U.S.’s ratings, citing “repeated debt-limit political standoffs,” as one of the reasons.
While Social Security payments are safe, a shutdown would have some impact on services. Around 4 million government workers – even the military – would go without pay.
Although most Social Security Administration (SSA) functions will continue, including issuance of replacement cards and hearings, “a few customer services that are not considered essential would be suspended, including getting benefit verifications,” said AARP. As for Medicare, services would largely continue as normal. However, replacement Medicare cards will not be issued during a government shutdown.