Is the Government Shutdown Affecting Social Security Disability Beneficiaries?

As of October 1, 2025, Congress has been unable to reach an agreement on funding. Therefore, until further notice, the federal government is officially shut down. So, what does this mean for Social Security? Not too much. Unlike other programs determined by the spending bills in Congress each year, funding for Social Security is mandatory by law. Thus, Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will continue receiving their monthly payments as usual.

“In the event of a lapse in appropriation, SSA will follow the contingency plan for continued activities, and Social Security beneficiaries would continue receiving their Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI payments,” the spokesperson noted. “We will continue activities critical to our direct-service operations and those needed to ensure accurate and timely payment of benefits,” the plan states. “We will cease activities not directly related to the accurate and timely payment of benefits or not critical to our direct-service operations.”

Potential Impacts on Social Security Services

The longest shutdown in history was 35 days in 2018-2019. The shutdown can still potentially affect many of the non-payment, administrative, and customer support operations within the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are some of the services that may be reduced, delayed, or suspended:

• Benefit verifications
• Earnings record corrections and updates unrelated to the adjudication of benefits
• Payee accountings
• Prisoner activities — suspension
• Requests from third parties for queries
• Freedom of Information Act requests
• IT enhancement activities, public relations and training
• Replacement Social Security or Medicare cards
• Overpayment adjustments and processing
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) announcement

Challenges Disability Claims Could Face

The word “shutdown” no doubt creates fear and worry about losing benefits or services. Beneficiaries may be anxious about their future financial security, or hesitant to rely on certain support. Especially if a disabled person is in the beginning process of a submitting a claim. While SSA continues accepting applications and processing during the shutdown, the most urgent cases (terminally ill individuals, wounded warriors, dire need situations), a critical holdup could develop at State Disability Determination Services.

These state offices make the medical determinations that decide disability claims. SSA can’t mandate they continue operations during shutdowns, but they can “encourage” continued service with promises of reimbursement after funding resumes. During the 2013 shutdown, nine states furloughed all DDS employees while three furloughed some, creating a 14% capacity shortfall and severe geographic disparities.

When a hearing takes place, the drafting and issuance of the written decision may be postponed until after the shutdown ends. While these medical evaluations are still being accepted for disability cases, the processing time may be even longer than usual.

The appeals or any reconsideration stages may slow down as well. Administrative Law Judge hearings continue with limited support. While hearings proceed, decisions aren’t written during shutdowns, which means even claimants face additional delays in receiving benefits. New hearing schedules and the Appeals Council could halt all work during the shutdown.

So, while a federal government shutdown can be alarming, it does not usually cut off the lifeline of SSDI and SSI payments for people already receiving benefits — those continue under mandatory funding. However, many important supporting services could experience disruption or temporary closures. Something to keep in mind is that even after the shutdown ends, the agency could take time to catch up, meaning delays of all sorts will linger.

For approved beneficiaries, the only noticeable impacts may be slower response times, delayed administrative actions, and more limited access to SSA offices or personnel. But for those in the application or appeal pipeline, the risk of delays and uncertainty is higher.

To guard against the worst of these disruptions, disabled beneficiaries and applicants should use online tools, prepare filings fully, and stay attuned to SSA updates — especially during a shutdown.

Contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.