Many Social Security recipients are wondering what will happen if the government shuts down. Many are wondering if they will still receive their checks and if they will be on time. Fortunately, Social Security checks should not be delayed in a government shutdown but new and ongoing applications will probably be delayed.
The money that funds Social Security benefits is automatically authorized and not dependent on Congress to negotiate a new spending measure, however, the money to pay its employees is. During a shut down Social Security will be understaffed, but since most recipients are receiving their benefits through direct deposit, the payments should be on time.
