Government shutdown will be the longest in history
Zach Schermelet reported from Capitol Hill as the shutdown exceeded 35 days, the longest period on record.
Some Social Security offices closed earlier this week due to staffing shortages amid what is officially the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.
The Social Security Administration confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY that at least three offices across the country have temporarily closed this week due to inability to provide in-person services throughout business hours, although “no widespread closures or service interruptions have occurred.” The agency did not say where the closure took place.
The SSA website listed multiple offices as closed to in-person services. However, the agency said on Nov. 5 that the main reasons for the closure were a variety of reasons, including “renovation plans and necessary facility updates.”
“During the Democratic shutdown, the Social Security Administration will continue to serve our nation’s elderly and most vulnerable,” the agency said in a Nov. 5 statement. “Local SSA offices remain open during the funding shortfall in accordance with the agency’s emergency response plan.”
The agency added, “We recognize that this is a stressful and difficult time for SSA employees who have been working without pay for more than a month,” while criticizing Democrats for not ending the shutdown.
Here is the latest information about SSA functionality during the shutdown:
How has the closure affected Social Security operations?
Social Security, like many other federal agencies, will continue to operate on a “reduced” scale until the shutdown ends.
Thousands of SSA employees have been furloughed since October 1, impacting the number of services available.
Because the benefit program is not dependent on Congressional approval, both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments will continue to be distributed despite the loss of federal funding.
Local social security offices across the country remain open, with reduced services provided to the public for the time being. However, other functions have been affected, such as the announcement of cost of living adjustments for 2026.
What services are available?
Services that the office cannot provide in-person during the closure include providing Medicare card replacements, providing proof of income, and updating/correcting income records.
However, some tasks, such as requesting another Medicare card and proof of income documentation, can be completed using your online Social Security account.
Only the following services are available at your local Social Security office:
- We will help you apply for benefits
- Assist with appeal claims
- Change your address or direct debit information
- accept death report
- Check or change your citizenship status
- Reissue lost or misplaced Social Security payments
- Issue important payments
- Change representative payee
- Process a change of residence or income (SSI recipients only)
- Issue a new or replacement Social Security card
When did the shutdown begin? And how long will it last?
The closure began a little more than a month ago, on October 1st.
The government shutdown will last until Democrats and Republicans can agree on a short-term funding package, or funding bill, to extend government operations.
