Social Security Payments Will Continue if Government Shuts Down, Officials Say

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its updated contingency plan as the possibility of a federal government shutdown looms.

According to the agency, Social Security payments will continue without interruption to senior citizens and other beneficiaries even if lawmakers fail to pass a new spending bill by Tuesday night’s deadline. The SSA says it will also continue handling new applications, appeals, and certain key services during a shutdown.

However, some internal functions will be put on hold. That could mean longer wait times for recipients to learn how much their monthly payments will increase next year, as the annual cost-of-living adjustment announcement may face delays.

Congress has until midnight Tuesday to reach an agreement on a new federal spending bill. Without a deal, nonessential government functions will shut down, though critical benefits like Social Security are expected to remain in place.

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