How Social Security Would Be Affected By A Government Shutdown
What happens to your Social Security check if the federal government shuts down? And what services would be paused?


The U.S. government is facing the prospect of yet another shutdown as lawmakers wrangle over a temporary funding bill. That's leaving many people wondering how Social Security would be affected if the federal government shuts its doors.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is one of the government agencies that has put together detailed contingency plans outlining the services that it would continue (and pause) in case of a shutdown. In their missive laying out its plan the agency said:
“We will continue activities critical to our direct-service operations and those needed to ensure accurate and timely payment of benefits. We will cease activities not directly related to the accurate and timely payment of benefits or not critical to our direct-service operations.”

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
So, one thing is clear — even if the U.S. government shuts down, you will continue to receive your Social Security checks and disability payments. The reason that Social Security payments will continue is that they are considered "mandatory spending," and they are funded under a trust, which is not part of the annual appropriations process.
Social Security services that would not be affected
Services that the SSA say it plans to continue include:
- Payment of Social Security checks
- Applications for benefits
- Requests for appeals
- Reconsiderations
- Payee changes
- Direct contact reinstatement of benefits
- Issuance of original and replacement Social Security cards
- Initial claims, , including terminally ill, compassionate allowances, quick disability determinations, dire need, and wounded warriors
- Assistance requests for hearings
Social Security services that would be paused
During a shutdown, the SSA would be partially closed — with about 8,103 of its 59,058 workers furloughed.
Services that are not directly related to payment benefits and those not critical to direct-service operations would stop until the government reopens, the SSA said. If the shutdown lasted more than five days, the SSA would re-evaluate the number of employees necessary to perform critical operations, as it did during the 2013 shutdown.
According to the SSA, services that are set to be paused should a shutdown occur include:
- Benefit verifications
- Earnings record corrections and updates
- Payee accountings
- Prisoner activities — suspension
- Requests from third parties for queries
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests
- IT enhancement activities, public relations, and training
- Replacement Medicare cards
- Overpayments processing
Using an online Social Security account during a shutdown
One way to continue to access your information and avoid long wait times on the phone is to use an online Social Security account. Known as a my Social Security account, it can help you if you are still working or currently claiming benefits. You can take care of a number of tasks including requesting a replacement Medicare card, print proof of Social Security benefits and repay overpayments, some of the services typically not offered during a shutdown. Plus, it’s a good way to protect against Social Security fraud.
After you’ve set up your my Social Security account, you'll be able to review your earnings history, calculate an estimate of your future benefits and file for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Related content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Esther D’Amico is Kiplinger’s senior news editor. A long-time antitrust and congressional affairs journalist, Esther has covered a range of beats including infrastructure, climate change and the industrial chemicals sector. She previously served as chief correspondent for a financial news service where she chronicled debates in and out of Congress, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and the Commerce Department with a particular focus on large mergers and acquisitions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and in English.
- Donna LeValleyRetirement Writer
- Donna FuscaldoRetirement Writer, Kiplinger.com
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Stable as Inflation, Tariff Fears Ebb
Constructive trade war talks and improving consumer expectations are a healthy combination for financial markets.
-
What Trump’s 'Big Beautiful Bill' Means for Your Utility Bills
If passed, the 'Big Beautiful Bill' could make home energy upgrades more expensive and raise monthly costs. Here's how much more you might pay and how to prepare.
-
Over 50 and Still Paying Student Loans? Here's Some Help
It's the club no one wants to join. But if you are over 50 and still paying student loans, there are ways to tackle both debt and retirement savings.
-
Eight Estate Planning Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones (and Your Legacy)
Two-thirds of Americans don't have an estate plan. If you're one of them, these are the essential steps to take now to prevent problems for your family later.
-
AI Is Missing the Wisdom of Older Adults
AI will increasingly affect your healthcare and finances, but young workers are primarily designing the systems and getting most of the jobs.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Solving Your Retirement Puzzle: Five Key Pieces
If retirement's a puzzle you're struggling with, try answering these five questions. The answers will guide you toward a solution.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?
Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
You're Close to Retirement and Cashed Out: How Do You Get Back In?
If you've been scared into an all-cash position, it's wise to consider reinvesting your money in the markets. Here's how a financial planner recommends you can get back in the saddle.
-
Should You Ditch Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Most People Do
If you want to switch your Medicare Advantage plan or enroll in original Medicare, you're not alone. Here's when it's a good idea and how to go about it.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement Savings
Thinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.