Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Government shutdown and Social Security payments

I’ve had several clients call concerned about the government shutdown effecting Social Security payments. While the problems caused by the shutdown are significant, essential services, such as public safety operations and Medicare payments have continued.
Additionally, the shutdown should have little effect on Social Security checks. According to the Social Security Administration's shutdown contingency plan, most core programs and benefits continue in the event of a shutdown. A shutdown only affects funds annually appropriated by Congress, not funding that is sustained long-term. The Social Security trust fund is paid for through a combination of taxes and long-term investments.
Other core functions like disability claims or appeals over benefits would continue to function. While previous shutdowns have led to the furlough of Social Security employees and some services, a full-year funding agreement for the Social Security Administration was reached in September so the agency is not affected this time around.

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