Government shutdown is impacting Social Security. Details on payments, offices, more

As the government shutdown nears the two-week mark, several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA), remain impacted by furloughs and cannot operate as usual.

Thousands of SSA employees have been furloughed, in turn limiting the agency’s available services during the shutdown.

However, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments are continuing as usual despite the lapse in federal funding appropriations. These benefit programs are not dependent on congressional approval, so the ongoing standoff between lawmakers does not impact Social Security payments.

But other areas that SSA oversees, including how the cost of living adjustment affects benefits, have been impacted. Here’s what to know.

Are Social Security payments still going out during shutdown?

Yes, Social Security payments, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, continue during a government shutdown.

Because Social Security benefit programs are considered mandatory spending by law, they are not impacted by the lapse in funding appropriations. Payments are still distributed on a regular schedule during the shutdown.

October Social Security payment schedule

Social Security beneficiaries who were born between the 11th and 20th day of their birth month are set to receive their monthly benefit on Wednesday, Oct. 15, according to the SSA’s payment calendar.

Are Social Security offices open during shutdown?

Social Security offices are still open during the shutdown, but only some services are available. Per SSA, the following services are still available:

• Applying for benefits
• Requesting an appeal
• Changing address or direct deposit information
• Accepting reports of death
• Verifying or changing citizenship status
• Replacing a lost or missing Social Security payment
• Issuing a critical payment
• Changing a representative payee
• Processing a change in living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only)
• Issuing new or replacement Social Security cards

Social Security services not available during the shutdown

• Replacing a Medicare card
• Issuing a proof of income letter
• Updating or correcting earnings record

Announcement of 2026 cost-of-living adjustment could be delayed

While the Social Security Administration was expected to announce the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 on Oct. 15, it appears unlikely if the shutdown continues.

The SSA would determine the annual COLA based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ September inflation report, which was initially slated to be released on Oct. 15.

However, nearly all of the bureau’s employees have been furloughed amid the shutdown. According to BLS’ shutdown plans, scheduled releases of BLS’ economic data, including the September consumer inflation report, “will likely be delayed if the lapse is prolonged.”

The release of the BLS’ September inflation report has been postponed to 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24.