This weekend, the federal government shutdown will leave millions of government workers without pay. While work at many government agencies will slow down or shut down entirely, Social Security payments will have no effect. Social Security is an essential program not funded by short-term continuing-resolution bills, which ensures that beneficiaries get their checks on time.
Effect of Government Shutdown on Social Security Checks
Whenever the federal government shuts down, it becomes a cause of concern for millions of people. However, history shows that Social Security benefits always continue. All Social Security payments were made on time even during the government shutdowns in 1995 and 2013. About 72.8 million people receive Social Security benefits every month, which mainly includes retirees, disabled persons, and dependents of the deceased.
However, the government shutdown affects other sectors. About 2 million military members and civilian employees will not be able to receive their salaries on time. In addition, many services for federal employees may be delayed, such as passport applications or other government processes.
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What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a funding regulation. This process is time-consuming and often requires temporary measures known as continuing resolutions. When funding legislation is not passed, federal agencies must cease all non-essential activities and furlough employees without pay.
Effects of a Government Shutdown
Many processes are affected by a government shutdown. Non-essential agencies that cannot fund themselves must furlough their employees without pay. This can lead to a reduction in services, such as food inspection and the unemployment insurance process.
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Potential impact:
| Service | Impact |
| Social Security | Benefits will continue |
| Passports | Delay in processing of new passports |
| Food inspection | Obstruction of inspection |
| Unemployment insurance | Processing of new applications will slow down |
What federal programs cannot be shut down?
Some major programs, such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), Medicare, and Medicaid, will continue. However, there may be disruptions in processing new applications. For example, hundreds of thousands of Medicare applicants were denied during a government shutdown in 1996.
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How long can a government shutdown last?
As of now, government funding is set to expire on December 21, 2024. If Congress does not pass a funding plan in time, the shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Past experiences show that such shutdowns can last for several days or weeks.
FAQs
1. Will Social Security checks be affected?
No, a government shutdown will not affect Social Security checks.
2. How long could a government shutdown last?
It could last several days or weeks, depending on when Congress passes a funding plan.
3. Do I have to do anything about my Social Security benefits?
No, your benefits will automatically continue; you don’t need to take any action.
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The Final Words
The impact of a government shutdown is widespread, but it will not directly affect Social Security checks. Beneficiaries must understand that their benefits are safe, but other government services may be disrupted. If you are concerned about a particular service or process, visit the official website of the relevant department for information.