How the government shutdown is affecting Social Security
This is what to know about Social Security payments during the ongoing government shutdown.
Despite the federal government shutdown, Social Security benefits will continue to be sent to beneficiaries across Michigan, though local Social Security offices will offer limited services until furloughed employees return.
Those who get Supplemental Security Income checks won’t get a check during the calendar month of November — instead, they will get one a few days early, at the end of October.
November SSI payments are scheduled to go out on Friday, Oct. 31, according to the Social Security Administration’s calendar. SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of the month, but when the first of the month lands on a weekend or a holiday, as it does in November (Nov. 1 is a Saturday), payments go out early.
A similar situation happened in August, when SSI recipients received payments on Aug. 1 and Aug. 29, according to the SSA calendar.
Most beneficiaries who get SSI and Social Security will be getting payments sent to their bank account or to a Direct Express card this month because President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March to stop the issuance of paper checks by the federal government. Departments had until Sept. 30 for compliance.
Social Security recipients will get their November benefits on Nov. 12, 19 and 26, according to their dates of birth.
As of Oct. 28, the federal government has been shutdown for 27 days and the shutdown is likely to continue for some time.
Here’s more on upcoming social security benefits.
Will SSI payments be affected by the government shutdown?
No. While thousands of SSA employees have been furloughed, Social Security and SSI payments will continue with no change in payment dates because money for the benefit programs is considered mandatory spending by law, meaning its budget is not dependent on yearly congressional approval, according to the SSA.
Other services provided by the SSA, including processing new applications, can be impacted by shutdowns and the resulting lack of workers and movement in government systems.
What can Social Security offices help me with during the shutdown?
Social Security offices remain open, though the lapse in federal funding is limiting services. According to the Social Security Administration, here’s what services will be available relating to Social Security:
- Replace a Medicare card.
- Issue a proof of income letter.
- Update or correct earnings record.
In addition, offices will be able to help with the following:
- Apply for benefits.
- Assist in requesting an appeal.
- Change your address or direct deposit information.
- Accept reports of death.
- Verify or change your citizenship status.
- Replace a lost or missing Social Security payment.
- Issue a critical payment.
- Change a representative payee.
- Process a change in your living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only).
- Issue new or replacement Social Security cards.
Where are social security offices in Michigan?
There are 48 offices in Michigan. To find an office near you, use the office locator by entering your zip code on the Social Security website. Some offices may be closed during a shutdown.
When are SSI payments sent out? See full 2025 payment schedule
SSI beneficiaries will get two checks in October and December because the first date of the following month lands on a weekend or holiday.
Here are the dates for SSI payments for the rest of 2025 and into early 2026, according to the SSA calendar:
- Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (Check for November 2025)
- Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025)
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026)
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 (Check for February 2026)
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 (Check for March 2026)
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (Check for April 2026)
- Friday, May 1, 2026 (Check for May 2026)
- Monday, June 1, 2026 (Check for June 2026)
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides benefits for persons with limited or no income or resources, those aged 65 or older, and those who are blind or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability are eligible for SSI, according to the Social Security Administration’s website. About 7.4 million Americans currently get monthly SSI payments.
Adults who earn more than $2,019 from work monthly, typically do not qualify for benefits. About one-third of SSI recipients also get Social Security benefits.
To see if you are eligible for SSI, visit the Social Security website. You can also go in person to your local Social Security office, or by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time during the work week.
When are my social security payments scheduled for November 2025?
Social Security benefits are typically paid on Wednesdays based on the recipient’s birthday.
According to the SSA’s calendar, here’s what is planned for November 2025:
- Recipients born on the first through the 10th of the month will be paid on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
- Recipients born on the 11th through the 20th of the month will be paid on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
- Recipients born on the 21st through the 31st of the month will be paid on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Contributing: USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Mary Walrath-Holdridge
