Impact of the Government Shutdown on Social Security: What You Need to Know About Benefit Payments, Cost-of-Living Adjustments, and Services

Social Security payments remain active

Services face some disruptions

COLA adjustment could be delayed

The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that monthly benefit payments will continue without interruption during the federal government shutdown.

More than 74 million people will receive their deposits on schedule, including those who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Local SSA offices remain open but are offering limited in-person services.

Beneficiaries can still:

Replace missing or stolen payments

Update address or bank information

Report a death

Adjust income information for SSI recipients

Services Temporarily Affected by the Government Shutdown

Although payments are safe, some services are temporarily unavailable:

Income verification letters cannot be issued

Earnings records cannot be corrected

Medicare card replacements are on hold

Overpayment reviews are suspended

The SSA encourages users to access their My Social Security accounts (available in English and Spanish) to handle most tasks online.

Through this platform, beneficiaries can review benefit statements, update personal data, and download essential documents without visiting an office.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) May Be Delayed

| BREAKING — The White House warns that the country enters its sixth day of the Democratic-led government shutdown, leaving millions of federal employees under financial strain. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of “playing politics while Americans suffer”… pic.twitter.com/3A5uDGK7rk

— UHN Plus (@UHN_Plus) October 6, 2025

The annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) — typically announced each October and applied in January — could face delays if the Department of Labor fails to release Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on time.

This index measures inflation and serves as the basis for determining how much Social Security payments will increase in 2026.

Early estimates place the COLA 2026 increase between 2.7% and 2.8%, which would raise the average monthly benefit by roughly $54.

If the shutdown continues, the CPI report and the official COLA announcement could be postponed.

How the Government Shutdown Affects the Hispanic Community

Impact of the Government Shutdown on Social Security – PHOTO: Shutterstock

The government shutdown Social Security situation is particularly concerning for older Hispanic adults, many of whom rely on these payments as their main source of income.

While deposits will continue, limited services could make it harder to replace lost documents or complete urgent administrative requests.

Experts urge Hispanic beneficiaries to use their online SSA accounts to monitor payments, stay informed, and avoid confusion.

What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

If the government resumes operations before October 15, the SSA will be able to announce the COLA 2026 as planned.

Otherwise, the cost-of-living adjustment will be announced later — but current payments will continue without interruption.

The agency reassures beneficiaries that no one will lose their money and that all Social Security benefits remain active.

In short, the government shutdown Social Security affects service availability, not your wallet — payments remain secure even amid the political stalemate in Washington.