26 Sep Will A Government Shutdown Impact My SSDI Benefits?
The federal government is threatening a shutdown that would begin on October 1st, 2023. In the event that a shutdown does occur, the millions of Americans dependent on Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits can rest assured that they will see little impact in their vital services.
Social Security Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a permanent funding source, allowing them to pay beneficiaries throughout a shutdown. In addition to this, the SSA has an established shutdown contingency plan.
In this plan, they state that applications for SSDI (Social Security disability insurance), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), retirement benefits, and survivor benefits, would continue to be accepted and processed.
If you have a hearing scheduled with the SSA, it will occur as planned. Requests for appeals will be accepted and processed as normal. SSA field offices and phone lines will remain open.
SSA services that will be impacted if the government does shutdown:
-Benefit verifications
-Earnings record corrections and updates
-Payee accountings
-Prisoner activities-suspension
-Requests from third parties for queries
-Freedom of Information Act requests
-IT enhancement activities, public relations, and training
-Overpayments processing
-Replacement Medicare cards
Medicare
Similar to Social Security, those dependent on Medicare services would not see much of an impact if a shutdown were to occur.
Enrollees would still be able to see a doctor, visit a hospital, and get prescriptions filled.
Applications for Medicare will still be accepted and processed. The open enrollment date is set to begin on October 15, 2023 and is not expected to change in the event that there is a prolonged shut down.
Veterans Benefits
The majority of government services available to Military Veterans and their families would continue as normal throughout a shut down.
VA disability, pension, education, and housing benefits would continue to be administered. Claims and appeals will still be accepted and processed.
VA hospitals would remain open, fully staffed, and accessible. The Tricare health insurance program would function as normal. Additionally, Military burials would proceed as scheduled at national cemeteries.
Understanding Your Options
If you are not currently receiving SSDI, or if you need to appeal a denied claim, you should speak with an attorney that specializes in disability benefits.
Victory Disability is a nationwide law firm. We specialize in helping disabled individuals get the benefits that they have earned and deserve. To see if we can assist you, take our free evaluation by clicking here.