What the Federal Government Shutdown Means to You
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: October 1, 2025
Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding beginning October 1, 2025. Until further notice, the federal government is shut down. We know you have questions and will do our best to answer them.
We want you to know that during the federal government shutdown, payments to all people who currently receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will continue with no change in payment dates. You will still receive your payments on time.
To help you manage your benefits and access important services, we encourage you to create an online my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. With a personal my Social Security account, you can view benefit estimates, request a proof of income letter, apply for benefits, request a replacement Social Security card or Medicare card, and much more. It’s easy, convenient, and secure.
Our local offices will remain open to the public but will provide reduced services. During this time, we can help you:
- Apply for benefits
- Request an appeal
- Change your address or direct deposit information
- Report a death
- Verify or change your citizenship status
- Replace a lost or missing Social Security payment
- Obtain a critical payment
- Change a representative payee
- Make a change in your living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only)
- Obtain a new or replacement Social Security card
Hearings offices remain open to conduct hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Please be aware that we may not be able to assist with all in-person service requests at this time. For example, we cannot provide proof of benefits letters, or update or correct earnings records. These in-person services will resume when the federal government is operating normally.
When the shutdown ends, we will post updates on our official social media accounts, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. For more information on the government shutdown, visit www.ssa.gov/agency/shutdown.
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Carol R.
Can you file for survivors benefits in any city in California if you are a resident?
Ed B.
Please add the ability to update our earnings online while working and under FRA
Ann B.
Your website says 238 days for disability.Thats a lie. It’s been 13 1/2 months. My husband is still waiting. Doesn’t make the government look too good.
Richard W.
Trying to log into social Security not understanding why it does not recognize my phone number
Susan
Probably because they fired the people who maintained that info…
Clint
Why are taxes being taken out of my check if the government is closed down and not using my money for the veterans, highways and infrastructure? When will this stop as now I feel we the people are being robbed?
Brenda C.
If the government is still shutdown is my Appointment still valid to obtain a Real Renewal License? Thank you!
Michael S.
Keep up the good work!
Hang in there!
Sheryl S.
Thank you so much for not blaming one political party for the shutdown. I appreciate your efforts to remain apolitical.
Sharon
I applied for Social Security a few months back and I’ve received my letter of approval. The start date I was given was November 19th 2025. Well, I still receive my check?
Karen G.
What is the process for a widow to marry again. Do you have to give up the amount on your deceased husband’s name?