The federal government is currently in the midst of a national shutdown that has already led to several agencies curtailing or minimizing their operations. As expected, Social Security beneficiaries who are currently receiving payments have been very concerned about the effect of the shutdown on their monthly checks.
The good news is that Social Security checks will continue to go out as they used to before the shutdown was announced. If, however, you try to contact your local Social Security Administration office to resolve some issues, you may find that your queries are not getting a quick response. That’s because some services are suffering from reduced staffing.
The Social Security Administration has posted a notice on its website that clearly mentions that field offices will remain open during the shutdown but will offer very limited services. For example, hearings offices will remain open to conduct hearings before administrative law judges. Social Security card centers, however, will be closed. Payment checks for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will go out as scheduled, with no changes in dates.
The notice clearly mentions that only some basic services, including help with new applications for benefits, appeal requests, requests for change in address, accepting death reports, verification of citizenship status, replacement of lost or missing Social Security payments and other basic operations will continue during the federal shutdown.
M. Stanley Whitehead is a Houston Social Security disability benefits lawyer, committed to representing persons who have had their disability claims rejected, and helping them recover the benefits that are rightfully theirs. If you have had your Social Security claim denied, contact me for a free consultation.
