Social Security: which services work and which don't due to the government shutdown
During the 2025 government shutdown, Social Security payments continue, but several SSA procedures are limited or suspended: we tell you which ones
The government shutdown raises doubts: Will my Social Security payments continue to arrive? Will I be able to do essential procedures? Which offices will be open? These questions are on the minds of millions of beneficiaries as federal agencies reduce their operations. Amid this uncertainty, it is crucial to know which Social Security functions will continue and which will be paused until funding is restored.
Although many services will be restricted, the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that benefit payments will continue as usual. Retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will continue to be delivered on time. These allocations are part of what is called mandatory spending, as they do not depend on the annual budget approved by Congress.
In addition, local Social Security offices will remain open, albeit with limited services.
Hearings before administrative law judges (ALJs) scheduled within the framework of the law will also continue to operate.
But not everything will operate normally. Several services have been suspended or limited for the duration of the shutdown.
More complex tasks such as continuing disability reviews (CDRs) and SSI eligibility reassessments will also be paused.
In practice, this means that those already receiving benefits will not see any interruptions. But if you are in the middle of a process, an appeal, or need a special document, you could face delays.
SSA phone lines are also likely to have long wait times, and in-person offices may only be able to handle urgent or basic cases.
Another consequence is the delay in the announcement of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This adjustment depends on inflation data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).And since that data wasn't published by the previously established deadline of October 15, the announcement was postponed until the 24th of the same month.
To mitigate the impact, it's recommended to use the online My Social Security tool. There you can check your benefits, request card replacements, or manage changes that don't require immediate in-person intervention.
Stay tuned for official SSA announcements. Although the closure causes uncertainty, if you pay attention to La Opinion or what the authorities indicate, you can plan ahead for any procedures that can avoid unpleasant surprises while operations return to normal.