While the longest government shutdown in our country’s history is at a point that it is leaving a rotten taste in everyone’s month, benefits are still being issued by the Social Security Administration.
This is because Social Security is considered a mandatory spending program which has already been funded. Programs affected by the shutdown fall within the discretionary spending category and the funding for said programs is issued annually through the Appropriations Act.
The Social Security Administration remains opened for business, though the backlog to receive a hearing through the Office of Hearings Operations is still lengthy. You can still file for benefits online or make an appointment to file for benefits with your local Social Security office.
Keep in mind that morale isn’t exactly stellar at many of the Federal agencies at this moment. Social Security employees inform me that they are being bombarded with calls from beneficiaries who are fearful that they may not receive their monthly benefits. Many employees feel like their sister agencies are pawns in the middle of a political sandbox fight. While business is taking place as usual at the Social Security Administration, they, too, are affected by the shutdown, even if their jobs are preserved and they are receiving their paychecks.
Got a question about SSDI or SSI that you need
us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try
to provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to
successfully navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free
to email me your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800) 459-3017 x 103.
