The U.S. entered a partial government shutdown on December 22, 2018, worrying many people across the nation. Chances are, you are like others and are wondering, “How does this affect my 2019 social security benefits?” Well, wonder no more. Social Security Disability Advocates USA has the answer.

The Answer

In short, your social security benefits will not change because of the partial government shutdown. The Social Security Administration has a contingency plan for such shutdowns, and the funds it distributes to beneficiaries aren’t supplied by annual government appropriations.

In previous shutdowns, social security checks went out on time and successfully arrived at the beneficiaries’ residences. The same should occur for this partial government shutdown.

While Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security have protection during the partial government shutdown, other parts of the government may see slight alterations. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may reduce the number of inspections their employees perform. National parks and museums may limit or suspend their operating statuses during the shutdown. Though, everything will return to normal after the shutdown ends.

Special Circumstances

Keep in mind, however, that the partial government shutdown does affect some aspects of the Social Security Administration. For example, the Social Security Administration can recommend the processing of new social security applications as well as new requests for appeals during the shutdown. However, a few things could change.

Since the Disability Determination Services (DDS) offices are in charge of these tasks and are state entities, the Social Security Administration has no control over whether they will carry out such tasks. This is especially true if these entities furlough their employees.

The good news is that social security falls under the financial category “mandatory spending.” This means annual appropriations don’t affect the funds that go out to beneficiaries.

So don’t worry; your benefits are safe.

Just be aware that some other functions of the Social Security Administration may change during the partial government shutdown. For example, your disability hearing may be delayed, and you may not be able to get a replacement Medicare card. Things like that. But your benefits – the money you receive – are completely fine.

Have More Questions About the Government Shutdown and Social Security?

If you have further questions about the government shutdown and social security, contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA today! We are always standing by and ready to address all your social security concerns.

Feel free to give us a call anytime at 602-952-3200. Also, you can contact us online and make use of our LiveChat feature. Don’t keep your questions to yourself. Contact an SSDA USA attorney right away!

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.