Social Security payments will not be affected by the current 2025 government shutdown. Payments to all Social Security beneficiaries, including retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, will continue on their normal schedule without interruption. However, while payments continue, some Social Security Administration (SSA) services may experience disruptions or be temporarily unavailable. Services such as benefit verifications, earnings record corrections, and issuing replacement Medicare cards could face delays or suspension during the shutdown. The SSA operates under mandatory funding for Social Security payments, which does not require annual congressional approval, allowing these payments to proceed even during a shutdown. Although some local SSA offices remain open, they are providing reduced services. Many SSA employees, about 90%, remain working through the shutdown to ensure the continuation of payments. Online services via the "my Social Security" portal remain accessible for managing benefits and other requests. In summary:
- Social Security benefit payments continue without interruption during the shutdown.
- Some SSA services, especially in-person or administrative services other than payments, may be disrupted or delayed.
- Local SSA offices are open with limited services and a contingency plan is in place to maintain critical operations.
This information reflects the SSA's contingency plans and expert analysis during the 2025 shutdown.
