Don't lose your benefits! Discover which Social Security services you can still access during a government shutdown

The good news is crystal clear—your payments will continue with no change in payment dates, even as the government shutdown that began October 1, 2025 continues.

More than 74 million Social Security beneficiaries can breathe easier knowing their monthly lifeline remains secure. Social Security operates differently from other government programs—your benefits are considered mandatory spending under federal law, which means they flow regardless of political gridlock in Washington.

Your payments are protected by law

The Social Security system hasn't missed a payment in its entire 90-year history and won't start now, according to Max Richtman, CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. This isn't just a comforting promise—it's backed by decades of precedent through 14 government shutdowns since 1980.

Whether you receive Social Security retirement benefits, disability insurance, or Supplemental Security Income, your October, November, and future payments will arrive exactly when expected. The automatic payment system continues humming along, unaffected by the political theater playing out in Congress.

What services you can still get (with patience required)

While your checks keep coming, getting help from Social Security offices requires extra patience. Local offices remain open to the public but will provide reduced services due to staffing constraints.

Here's what you can still accomplish at your local Social Security office:

• Apply for new benefits
• Request an appeal of a benefits decision
• Update your address or direct deposit information
• Report a death
• Verify or change your citizenship status
• Replace a lost or stolen Social Security payment
• Request critical payments
• Change your representative payee
• Update income or living arrangements (for SSI recipients)
• Get new or replacement Social Security cards

Administrative Law Judge hearings also continue as scheduled, so don't worry about missing your disability or benefits appeal hearing.

Also read: Your 2024 income could raise your Medicare costs in 2026—here’s how to avoid paying more than you should

Services temporarily on hold

Some helpful services have been temporarily suspended until Congress reaches a funding agreement:

• Medicare card replacements
• Proof of income letters (often needed for housing, loans, or other benefits)
• Earnings record updates or corrections
• Representative payee accounting processing
• Overpayment processing
• Third-party inquiries
• Freedom of Information Act requests

Also read: October brings energy relief: Four programs delivering up to $3,200 to cash-strapped Americans

The 2026 cost-of-living increase: A welcome development

One major concern was whether the shutdown would delay the announcement of next year's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Estimates released in September pointed to a 2.7% to 2.8% benefit boost for 2026, which would increase the average retirement benefit by about $54 per month.

Good news arrived this week: The Bureau of Labor Statistics is calling some staff back to work to prepare its closely watched inflation gauge, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, despite the government shutdown. This should prevent delays in the COLA announcement, which typically happens in October.

This marks only the second time a shutdown has threatened COLA timing. In 2013, the announcement came 14 days late, but recipients still received their full increase on schedule in January.

Your best friend during the shutdown: online services

While office visits may take longer, your computer or smartphone can handle many tasks instantly. Creating a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov gives you 24/7 access to:

• View your complete earnings history
• Get benefit verification letters
• Change your direct deposit information
• Request replacement Medicare cards
• Start disability or retirement applications
• Check application status
• Update contact information

Also read: A new warning about Social Security scam has seniors on alert

Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and requires identity verification through your credit report information or by answering questions about your financial history.

Making the most of limited services

While waiting for normal operations to resume, here are practical steps to minimize disruption:

Before visiting an office:

• Call ahead to confirm they can help with your specific need
• Bring all required documents to avoid return trips
• Consider visiting early in the day when wait times are typically shorter
• Have backup plans for suspended services

Maximize online options:

• Set up your my Social Security account now if you haven't already
• Download and save important documents while the system is running smoothly
• Sign up for text or email alerts about your account

Plan for delays:

• If you need income verification, start exploring alternatives early
• Allow extra time for any Social Security-related tasks
• Keep phone numbers handy for other agencies that might accept alternative documentation

Planning ahead for peace of mind

Smart seniors use disruptions like this as motivation to get better organized. Consider this shutdown a reminder to:

• Create that online Social Security account you've been putting off
• Gather important documents in one easily accessible place
• Make copies of essential paperwork like benefit statements and Medicare cards
• Research alternative documentation sources for common needs

The current political standoff will eventually resolve, as they all do. In the meantime, your Social Security benefits remain as reliable as they've been for nine decades. Congress can argue about many things, but it can't touch the checks that millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of work.

Read next:

• An important step Social Security retirees shouldn’t miss on Oct. 15
• White House responds to Social Security change concerns
• Are you missing out? Discover the “game-changing” Social Security update that could save seniors $500 annually

Key Takeaways

• Social Security payments will not be interrupted during a government shutdown, but other services may be delayed due to fewer available staff.
• Essential services such as applying for benefits, reporting a death, replacing lost payments or Social Security cards, and attending scheduled hearings will still be provided, though wait times could be longer.
• Several services will be suspended until the government reopens, including replacing Medicare cards, issuing proof of income letters, updating earnings records, processing overpayments, and answering queries from third parties.
• While the announcement of annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) could be delayed by a shutdown, the increase itself will not be affected if relevant data has already been collected, and previous delays have not impacted payments.

What questions do you have about Social Security services during the shutdown? Have you successfully used the online my Social Security system, or do you prefer handling business in person? Share your experiences and tips for fellow readers in the comments below.