As the federal government is amidst another shutdown, millions of Americans who rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) are left wondering what it means for their benefits—especially those waiting on disability determinations. While retirees can rest assured that their monthly payments will continue, the story is much different for disability claimants.
What Stays Operational
During a shutdown, the SSA continues “essential services.” That means checks for retirement, survivors, and disability benefits that have already been approved will still be issued. The Treasury Department has previously confirmed that these payments are considered mandatory spending and are not dependent on annual appropriations.
SSA field offices usually remain open but with limited staffing. They can handle urgent issues such as benefit verifications or address changes, but many non-critical services—like new Social Security card requests or appointment scheduling—often slow to a crawl.
What Slows Down or Stops
The biggest impact falls on people who are in the middle of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Disability Determination Services (DDS), the state-run agencies that process these claims, are primarily funded by federal dollars. During a shutdown, these funds can become delayed or restricted, which in turn stalls medical evidence collection, claim reviews, and scheduling of consultative exams.
In past shutdowns, the SSA prioritized keeping hearing offices open, but even then, cases moved slower. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) continued hearings already on the calendar, yet new hearings and decisions were often delayed because supporting staff—clerks, writers, and record reviewers—were on furlough. That same bottleneck is expected again if the shutdown continues.
What It Means for Claimants
For individuals waiting months—or even years—for disability approval, any slowdown can be devastating. Each day of delay means another day without vital income, often while facing mounting medical bills. Initial applications already take six to eight months on average, with appeals sometimes stretching past two years. A prolonged shutdown could easily add weeks or months to those timelines.
During this time, the best thing to do is to stay in contact with your case manager. We are constantly monitoring the situation. If they have requested paperwork or documentation, please be sure to submit as soon as possible. The SSA’s online portals generally remain functional even during a shutdown, although processing of new uploads may be delayed until full operations resume.
What Our Attorneys and Representatives Are Seeing
Disability attorneys across the country report hearing delays, fewer returned calls from adjudicators, and slower medical evidence requests. Some states have warned advocates to expect pauses in file transfers and updates from DDS offices. For those representing clients, it’s another reminder of how dependent the entire system is on federal funding continuity.
Looking Ahead
If Congress reaches a funding deal quickly, most of these disruptions will be temporary. However, repeated shutdown threats erode confidence in a system already under strain from staffing shortages and record backlogs. For disability claimants who have spent years proving their eligibility, even short-term shutdowns can feel like another barrier between them and the benefits they deserve.
The Social Security Administration will continue paying out benfits, but for millions still waiting for approval, a government shutdown can mean more uncertainty and hardship. Until funding is restored, applicants and their advocates should stay proactive—track their claims online, stay in touch with representatives, and document every communication.
