The United States of America experienced the most prolonged government shutdown in United States history in 2018-2019. Millions, if not thousands, of people looking to get or currently receiving benefits from the Social Security Disability services, had many questions that were left unanswered. You need to be informed in case it happens again.

Already Receiving Benefits? There Is Some Good News

The Social Security Agency will continue to function but will not continue some of its activities that are not considered critical during a government shutdown. There will be additional services that the Social Security Office will continue even during a government shutdown, such as evaluating claims and processing appeals.

For the millions of Americans already currently receiving benefits from the Social Security Disability services, a government shutdown in the United States will not or will have very little effect on their continuing benefits.

Even during a government shutdown, they will still be able to access their Medicaid and Medicare benefits as well as continue receiving monthly checks from the government.

Though if they would like to make any changes to the benefits they receive, they might find it a bit hard to make the adjustments they want. This is because multiple Social Security employees will not be going to work during a government shutdown.

Have a Claim Pending or Want To Start a New Claim? Be Prepared To Wait

You still have the opportunity to apply to receive benefits or appeal any of your decisions. However, the procedure of appeals and applications might be slightly delayed because of a government shutdown.

It is advisable that you continue with the process of your appeals and applications as you had planned originally because if you fail to submit those forms, it might cause you to miss the chance to receive your benefits.

Currently, some of the disability claims are currently pending, and the Social Security Office will still continue to process them. However, it will take the Social Security Office longer than usual to process the forms because of the shortage of staff caused by a government shutdown.

Though if you’re one of the lucky ones and your hearing was already scheduled, there is a high possibility that your hearing will go on as planned without any interruptions. The frustrating impact of a government shutdown might last longer, even after the government funding resumes.

Normally when people speak about the financial impact caused by a government shutdown. They will often focus on things such as unpaid TSA workers who will not go to work and leave the security in the airport vulnerable.

The federal workers and the parks in the United States closing are important even though there is secondary damage that is often unreported and more widespread.

Get in Touch With Your Representative and Be Heard

In 2013 a government shutdown in the United States of America lasted only two weeks, but the process of scheduling new disability hearings was held back for approximately six months. In other parts of the country, it was even delayed for a longer period of time.

Those who are patiently waiting for a hearing decision, medical decision or the scheduling of their hearing will likely experience longer delays. The best thing for them to do is to get in touch with their representatives and speak to them and ask them to stop a government shutdown.

You can find a list of services The Social Security Administration provides at Social Security Field Offices. Your lawyer can also help you get in touch with charitable organizations such as Carelink that will be able to offer assistance during a government shutdown.

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