The Effect Of Government Shutdowns On Social Security Disability

When you hear about a possible government shutdown on the news, it's natural to be concerned if you depend on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for your income and healthcare. These headlines might make you wonder: Will my benefits stop? Will my check arrive on time? Will my hearing be canceled?

Let's clear up the confusion and explain why your SSDI benefits are safe during a government shutdown.

What Is A Government Shutdown?

When Congress is unable to pass legislation to fund the government for the next fiscal year, a shutdown occurs. As a result, government agencies must stop their regular work due to lack of funding.

But here's the important part: Not everything shuts down. The government keeps running what are called essential services—those functions that protect people's lives and safety. Think of air traffic controllers keeping planes safe or the military protecting the country. These services don't stop.

Some services that are considered non-essential are paused, like certain national park programs or research projects. Social Security is a different story.

Why Your SSDI Benefits Keep Coming

Here's the good news: Social Security works differently from most government programs.

While many agencies need Congress to approve their budget each year, Social Security has its own designated funding. The money comes from payroll taxes that workers and employers pay throughout the year. This money goes into a specific fund allocated for Social Security. It’s the same with Medicare and Medicaid; these are mandatory spending that are separate from yearly funding appropriations.

This means Social Security benefits are continually paid and unrelated to the budget. In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is considered an essential service, which means the workers who process your benefits keep doing their jobs during a shutdown. This includes things like payments, applications and appeals, which are considered essential functions.

History backs this up. During prior government shutdowns, Social Security checks kept coming on time, and disability claims kept being processed. This track record can offer peace of mind.

Transitioning To Electronic Payments

The SSA plans to proceed with its mandatory transition to electronic payments as of Sept. 30, 2025.

If you receive a paper check, the SSA asks that you enroll in direct deposit or, for those without a bank account, opt for receiving a Direct Express Card. For details, including how to enroll in one of these electronic options or file a waiver request, you can visit the SSA’s page regarding benefit deposits.

If You Already Get SSDI Benefits

If you're currently receiving SSDI, here's what you need to know:

• Starting Sept. 30, 2025, all federal benefits payments will be made in an electronic form. Learn about how to enroll in electronic payment or request a waiver.
• Your monthly payments will continue on their same schedule (provided you’ve addressed enrollment in electronic payment as mentioned above).
• You can still manage your account online through my Social Security. Some functions may be limited.
• You can still update your information, like changing your address or bank account.
• Local Social Security offices stay open. Some may have reduced hours or limited services, which could affect in-person consultation and appointments.
• You can still report changes in your medical condition or work status.
• Medicare services remain active. There may be minor delays in certain administrative tasks.

The bottom line is that everything about your current benefits stays the same during a shutdown.

If You're Applying Or Appealing

The staffing at Social Security offices may be limited, resulting in reduced hours and limited services. This means applications and appeals will continue to be processed and may experience delays.

The application process will continue, with potential delays:

• New applications are still accepted.
• Your application keeps moving through the system.
• Medical reviews continue.
• Scheduled hearings with judges still happen.
• Medical exams ordered by SSA take place as planned.

The appeals process will also continue, with the same potential for longer wait times:

• You can still file appeals.
• Hearings for appeals continue but may be postponed.
• Your representative or lawyer can keep working on your case.
• You can still submit new medical evidence.
• Judges keep making decisions.

How Allsup Helps During A Shutdown

Allsup will continue helping our customers throughout the course of a federal government shutdown. First and foremost, we will not close or stop working on your claim. Our offices will remain open and working on our regular, posted business hours.

If you're working with Allsup on your disability claim, we keep working for you no matter what's happening in Washington. Our team continues to:

• Submit applications and appeals.
• Request medical records.
• Prepare for hearings.
• Keep you updated on your claim.
• Answer your questions.

We work to minimize the impact on you, as our goal is to keep your claim moving as quickly as possible through the process.

With a government shutdown, some things might move a bit slower (including when you may receive a decision), but your application won't stop or disappear. It keeps moving forward. Our team will remain in close contact with you should there be any potential direct impact, such as a cancelled or re-scheduled hearing.

Allsup has been through government shutdowns before, and we know how to keep your claim moving forward.

Social Security Offices

Based on staffing, Social Security field offices are expected to stay open. It’s possible that visiting or calling one for routine, basic service may take more time.

If you are an Allsup customer and have a medical update, change of address or other information related to your claim, these can be sent through your account in the Allsup app.

• To get the Allsup mobile app: find the download links at the bottom of any page on Allsup.com.

If you are not an Allsup customer, you may want to review the information on your my Social Security account or check the SSA’s reporting webpage.

Where To Get Reliable Information

During uncertain times, turn to official sources of information.

You can always check the Allsup app (download from the bottom of any Allsup.com page) or your online Allsup account for information.

Additional official information sources include:

• Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)
• Your my Social Security online account (ssa.gov/myaccount/)
• USAGov for general government information (usa.gov)

The Bottom Line

Despite how concerning the phrase “government shutdown” can sound, your SSDI benefits are protected. Social Security is considered an essential service that must continue operating. Your checks will keep coming provided you are receiving or enrolled in an electronic payment process. Your application or appeal will keep being processed, while some delays may occur.

While other government services may pause during a shutdown, Social Security Disability Insurance is a program that keeps working because these benefits are too important to stop. Understanding this can help you feel more secure when the news is covering shutdown discussions.

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Learn More About…

• What's involved with filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• How to calculate your SSDI benefit payment.
• Your SSDI eligibility status and how to get started online.
• How Allsup helps make the critical difference in SSDI claim approval.
• Refer a friend who could use help with SSDI.

Get Started – With No Cost And No Obligation.

Check your eligibility now, or connect with Allsup by calling (800) 678-3276 or contacting us online.