Can a Government Shutdown Affect Your SSDI Benefits?
If you’re relying on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the idea of a government shutdown can be scary. And there’s a lot of uncertainty around a government shutdown and disability benefits.
You might wonder, “Will I still get my checks? Will my application get stuck?”
The good news is that your SSDI payments should be among the least affected parts of a shutdown.
But there can be complications – especially if you’re applying, appealing, or dealing with administrative matters. So let’s break it down.
Why SSDI Checks Usually Continue During a Shutdown
SSDI is funded through mandatory spending, not through the annual budget bills that fund most federal programs. Because of that, SSDI benefits are generally protected when Congress fails to pass a full budget.
That means people who are already receiving SSDI should still get their monthly payments on time, even if the government partially shuts down.
So if you’re already approved and receiving benefits, you probably won’t see your monthly SSDI check disappear.
What Could Be Disrupted
While your payments should remain intact, these parts of the SSDI process might slow down or pause during a shutdown:
New Applications & Appeals
Offices that process new claims and appeals often rely on discretionary funding. During a shutdown, staffing cuts may slow processing times or delay decisions.
In-Person Services
Local Social Security offices may reduce in-office operations. You might have trouble getting an in-person appointment, submitting documents, or accessing certain services like benefit verifications or card replacements.
Hearing & Decisions Backlogs
Hearings scheduled before the shutdown might still take place (if the essential staff are available), but writing and issuing decisions can be delayed. In past shutdowns, decisions were sometimes held until after the shutdown ended.
What You Should Do If a Shutdown Happens
First, don’t panic. Your benefit doesn’t depend on Congress acting.
Submit your applications or appeals promptly. Even if processing is slower, the timing stays true: the earlier you get your paperwork in, the earlier they will make a decision..
Use online tools. The SSA’s online service allows you to check your status, verify benefits, or update information without visiting an office.
Make sure your medical records and documentation are up to date, so that when the SSA resumes full operations, your case is as strong as possible.
Consult a lawyer if needed.
Risk-Free Help from Our Legal Team
If a shutdown delays your application or threatens your benefits, we can help you navigate the rules or file appeals.
We’ve helped many clients through instability, long waits, and complex cases. We help strengthen your claim and save you valuable time. And when you need to appeal, we represent your case in front of the judge.
What’s more, we don’t get paid anything unless and until we win your case. Even then, it’s only a fraction of your past-due benefits. You keep every penny moving forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand how a potential shutdown could affect your application and guide you through it.