Will Social Security payments still go out, get delayed during the government shutdown?

With the government shutdown in effect, many federal agencies and services are shut down or are greatly restricted.

Americans who rely on federal programs like Social Security could be impacted. National parks or the military are not funded the same way as Social Security.

Trump’s administration warned of mass firings if government funding lapses in what has become a bitter stalemate between Senate Republicans and Democrats.

Here’s what to know about your Social Security payments during a government shutdown.

What does a government shutdown mean?

During a government shutdown, all federal agencies and services that officials do not deem “essential” must stop working.

“Essential services” include the USPS, or mail delivery services, Medicare, Social Security services and air-traffic control at airports.

“Nonessential” work pauses, meaning tens of thousands of federal employees would be furloughed, or not work and not get paid until funding is restored. National parks closed during past shutdowns or were kept open with state help but will fewer services.

Will the government shutdown affect Social Security payments?

Social Security benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, continue uninterrupted during government shutdowns. If you receive these services, you can expect to get your Social Security check or direct deposit as usual, regardless of the shutdown.

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are mandatory spending programs, meaning their budgets are not dependent on yearly congressional approval. However, staffing and some services at Social Security offices could be impacted if they have a discretionary spending component, which means it requires congressional agreement on how money will be spent. This could include processing new Social Security applications.

Government shutdown and social security benefits

Existing Social Security payments will continue without disruption during a government shutdown, but people who are newly in need of Social Secuity benefits or in the process of applying for benefits may face significant delays.

With fewer employees working to process applications, review qualifications and provide documentations, those seeking to renew or start benefits may have to contend with extended wait times.

Is Medicare affected by government shutdown?

Medicare, just like Social Security, would continue since it is a program that relies on mandatory, and not discretionary, funding sources. However, new applicants may see major delays in their application process until funding resumes; during the 1996 government shutdown, more than 10,000 Medicare applicants were temporarily turned away every day of the shutdown.