Social Security and government shutdown: who will wait more than a month for their November payment
Social Security will pay in November despite the government shutdown, but some beneficiaries will have to wait more than a month after October
The partial shutdown of the federal government in the United States has generated concern among millions of Social Security beneficiaries, who fear that their payments will be delayed or even suspended. With the shutdown of several government functions and political uncertainty, it's natural to wonder if those receiving their November checks could face delays of more than a month.
Fortunately, Social Security payments will continue to be guaranteed. These benefits are part of mandatory spending approved by Congress and do not depend on annual budget approval. This means that the 74 million beneficiaries, including retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors, will continue to receive their monthly payments without interruption, despite the partial shutdown.
However, some beneficiaries will receive their November payment more than a month after October, according to a comparison of the dates of both months. The October and November payment schedule creates this feeling, even though payments will be made on time:
Although these gaps may create a feeling of a prolonged wait, all checks will arrive on their scheduled dates, without delays caused by the government shutdown.
"The system hasn't failed to make a single payment in 90 years, and it's not going to start now," said Max Richtman, president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. However, he warned that services such as benefit verification, earnings history corrections, and Medicare card reissuance could be interrupted.
The Social Security Administration is keeping about 90% of its staff active during the shutdown, ensuring the continuity of payments. Only about 6,200 employees would be temporarily suspended, mostly in non-essential areas. This way, beneficiaries can rest assured: checks will arrive on schedule, even if the perceived wait exceeds a month.
Even Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will go out seamlessly on October 31, ensuring no one is left without their funds.
An additional effect of the shutdown is the delay in the release of the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), as it depends on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Both reports will be released this Friday, October 24.
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