- Social Security field offices nationwide have reduced in-person services or shifted to phone-only due to the federal shutdown.
- Benefit payments continue on schedule, but non-essential services (cards, verifications, corrections) face delays and backlogs.
- Experts warn prolonged shutdowns will worsen access and wait times; SSA urges use of online "my Social Security" tools.
As the federal government shutdown drags into its third week, Social Security offices nationwide are feeling the pinch, with several locations announcing temporary closures or shifts to phone-only services.
This comes at a time when millions of Americans rely on these offices for essential support, from applying for benefits to resolving payment issues.
While benefit checks themselves remain unaffected, the disruptions highlight the broader chaos caused by the ongoing funding stalemate in Washington.
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The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a spending bill, has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay.
Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked, with debates centering on health insurance extensions for millions at risk of losing coverage.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 750,000 government employees are furloughed daily, exacerbating delays in non-essential services.
In a statement on their blog, the Social Security Administration (SSA) emphasized that core operations would continue where possible.
“You will still receive your payments on time,” the agency assured recipients, urging people to use online tools for managing benefits.
An SSA spokesperson reiterated this to Newsweek, saying, “Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving their Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI payments.”
They added that local offices remain open for some services, with more details available on the SSA’s website.
Which Social Security Offices Are Affected?
Despite these assurances, specific offices have had to scale back.
For instance, in California, the Madera Social Security office halted in-person services until 1 p.m. local time on Monday.
Over in Montana, the Havre office is sticking to telephone assistance only until the situation improves.
New York hasn’t been spared either—the East Bronx location delayed in-person openings until 10 a.m., while Canarsie and Corning switched to phone support.
Similar issues popped up in Pennsylvania, where Wilkes-Barre, Bloomsburg, and Reading offices went phone-only.
South Carolina’s Spartanburg office followed suit for Monday, and in Texas, Dallas Fair Park is handling queries remotely.
West Virginia’s Logan and Wyoming’s Cody offices are also limited to calls.
This isn’t isolated—USA Today reports that Social Security offices are generally open but operating with “reduced services,” advising people to check the agency’s field office locator for updates.
In Delaware, outlets like Delaware Online note that while offices aren’t fully closed, only select services are available, and payments for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will proceed as scheduled.
Experts Warn of Compounding Effects of Shutdown
Experts warn that the longer the shutdown lasts, the worse it could get.
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, shared his frustrations with Newsweek, stating, “The shutdown is just another wrinkle in this Social Security game.
A close friend of mine recently married an immigrant who needed to get a Social Security card in person, and he said the office was packed even before the shutdown.”
He went on to say, “I’d expect significantly longer hold times. As of 10:48 a.m. CST today, you can’t even get through to the agency.
I tried calling five times and got, ‘Welcome to Verizon Wireless, your call cannot be completed as dialed.’ That’s not a good sign.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, echoed these concerns, stating, “The good news for Social Security recipients is all online services are still active, and the vast majority of offices across the country are still open at this time.
However, as the government shutdown continues, some locations could see closures and/or reduced hours due to furloughed staff.”
Beene pointed out that while the SSA has ramped up digital options, many folks still prefer face-to-face help, which could lead to bigger backlogs.
Americans Are Being Left in Limbo
Beyond office access, other services are taking hits. NPR highlighted how the shutdown has stopped benefit verification letters, a crucial document for things like housing or loans.
Field office employees told the outlet they’re unable to process these requests, leaving vulnerable people in limbo.
CBS News explained that Social Security is funded through mandatory spending, so checks keep coming, but non-essential tasks like earnings corrections or card replacements face delays.
Kiplinger confirmed that disability payments and regular checks are safe, but the agency has suspended things like the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcements, which could worry retirees planning their budgets.
Yahoo Finance and NBC News both stressed that as a mandatory program, Social Security dodges the worst of shutdown impacts, unlike discretionary areas.
Representative Brittany Pettersen’s office noted that while original and replacement Social Security cards are still issued, expect slowdowns due to staffing shortages.
And in a broader update from USA Today, House Republicans are pushing for a vote to end the impasse, but with no clear timeline, these disruptions might persist.
For those affected, the SSA recommends creating a “my Social Security” account online to handle what you can from home.
As one expert put it, this shutdown is testing the limits of an already strained system, and recipients should brace for longer waits until Congress gets its act together.
Also Read: Treasury Now Says Shutdown is Costing US Economy $15bn Daily
