WASHINGTON, D.C.—Despite the federal government officially shutting down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement on October 1, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that payments to beneficiaries will continue without interruption.
All individuals currently receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will still receive their payments on time.
Local Offices Offer Reduced Services
While payments remain secure, the SSA will operate with reduced services at its local offices. Offices will remain open to the public, with a focus on critical services.
During the shutdown, staff can assist with the following key needs:
- Applying for benefits and requesting an appeal.
- Making changes to your address or direct deposit information.
- Reporting a death or obtaining a critical payment.
- Replacing a lost or missing Social Security payment.
- Obtaining a new or replacement Social Security card.
- Changing a representative payee or reporting changes in living arrangement/income (SSI recipients only).
However, the SSA warned that some in-person services will be suspended and will resume only when the government is operating normally. These suspended services include providing proof of benefits letters and updating or correcting earnings records.
Additionally, Hearings offices remain open to conduct hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Manage Benefits Online
The SSA is encouraging all beneficiaries to create a personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. This secure online account allows users to view benefit estimates, request a proof of income letter, apply for benefits, and request a replacement Medicare or Social Security card.
For continuous updates on the shutdown’s impact on the agency, follow the SSA’s official social media accounts or visit www.ssa.gov/agency/shutdown.
