Social Security Announces Operations During the Partial Government Shutdown
As of January 31, 2026, Congress has not reached an agreement on federal funding, resulting in a partial government shutdown. While shutdowns can create uncertainty, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued important guidance to ensure beneficiaries and representatives know what to expect during this period.
Below is a clear summary of SSA’s current operations and what your clients need to know.
✅ Social Security & SSI Payments Will Continue
The most important reassurance:
All Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue uninterrupted.
Payment dates remain the same, and beneficiaries will receive their funds on time.
🧾 Use of “my Social Security” Accounts
During the shutdown, online self‑service tools are especially valuable. SSA encourages beneficiaries to create or use their my Social Security accounts at:
With an online account, clients can:
- Review benefit estimates
- Request proof of income
- Apply for benefits
- Request replacement Social Security or Medicare cards
- Access benefit verification letters
- And more — all without visiting an office
This remains the fastest and most reliable way to manage benefits while services are reduced.
🏢 Local SSA Offices Are Open — With Limited Services
SSA field offices will stay open to the public, but some services are temporarily unavailable.
Services that ARE available in person:
- Applying for benefits
- Requesting an appeal
- Updating address or direct deposit information
- Reporting a death
- Verifying or changing citizenship status
- Replacing a lost or missing payment
- Obtaining a critical payment
- Changing a representative payee
- Reporting changes in income or living arrangement for SSI
- Getting a new or replacement Social Security card
Services NOT currently available in person:
- Proof of benefits letters
- Updates or corrections to earnings records
These services will resume when the federal government is fully operational.
⚖️ Hearings Offices Remain Open
Despite the shutdown, hearing offices will continue to operate, and Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) will still conduct hearings. Clients with scheduled hearings should plan to attend as usual.
🔍 Where to Find Updates
SSA will post ongoing shutdown information at:
💬 What This Means for Claimants
While the shutdown limits certain administrative functions, critical services remain active. Most importantly:
- Benefits continue as usual
- Hearings are still happening
- Online services remain fully available