Social Security Payments Won’t Stop After Nov. 1: Here’s the Latest Update for Retirees

As the government shutdown stretches on and programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, Head Start, and ACA Programs face possible disruptions, many Americans are asking another urgent question: What about Social Security?

The good news, for now, is that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue as scheduled, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). But that doesn’t mean everything is operating as usual.

Read: Social Security Confirms 2.8% COLA Increase for 2026 Beneficiaries

Monthly Payments Will Keep Coming

Social Security benefits are considered mandatory spending, which means they are funded through a trust fund, not the annual congressional appropriations process.

That’s why, even during a shutdown, retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities will continue to receive their payments on time.

• Social Security (retirement, survivors, and disability): Continues without interruption

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Continues as scheduled

• Medicare & Medicaid benefits: Continue unaffected

So, seniors and SSI recipients can breathe a little easier, their November payments will arrive as usual.

Expect Delays in Other Services

While monthly checks will keep coming, many Social Security field offices will operate with reduced staff.

That means longer wait times or temporary pauses in non-essential services, including:

• New or replacement Social Security cards

• Benefit verification letters

• Corrections to earnings records

• Non-critical appeals or administrative reviews

For now, urgent services, like processing new claims for retirement or disability benefits, will continue, but at a slower pace.

You can check local office updates here: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/ 

 

What Beneficiaries Should Do

If you rely on Social Security or SSI, here’s how to stay prepared during a shutdown:

• Monitor your payments through your My Social Security Account.

• Keep direct deposit active — mailed checks may face delays if postal operations slow.

• Avoid visiting local offices unless necessary; use the online portal for most requests.

• Stay updated via SSA’s official shutdown page: https://www.ssa.gov

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