Mandatory spending status shields benefits from budget deadlock
The United States government entered a partial shutdown on January 31 after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement for several federal agencies before the deadline, triggering concerns over the impact on key federal benefit programs, including Social Security.
However, Social Security payments scheduled for February will continue without interruption, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and expert analyses cited by CNN, Fox Business and AARP.
The SSA confirmed that Social Security benefits—including retirement payments, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—are categorised as mandatory spending and are not affected by annual budget standoffs that lead to government shutdowns.
“In the event of a lapse in appropriation, SSA will follow the contingency plan for continued activities,” the agency told CNN, emphasising that beneficiaries would continue to receive their payments even during a shutdown.
AARP also noted that Social Security is funded through dedicated trust funds and payroll tax revenues authorised by Congress in previous years, shielding monthly payments from short-term funding impasses.
February SSI payments may arrive early
Some Supplemental Security Income recipients may receive their February payments earlier than usual, but this is unrelated to the shutdown, Fox Business reported.
Because February 1 falls on a Sunday, SSA rules require SSI payments to be issued on the last business day of the previous month. As a result, beneficiaries will receive their payments on January 30.
SSA services may face disruptions
While benefit payments remain protected, the shutdown could affect certain SSA operations. According to AARP, the agency’s administrative budget is classified as discretionary spending, making it vulnerable during funding lapses.
Services such as benefit verifications, processing of overpayments, information technology upgrades and staff training could face delays. Most SSA employees will continue working without pay to support essential services, though approximately 6,200 employees could be furloughed.
“The good news is that payments go out,” Bill Sweeney, AARP’s senior vice president for government affairs, said. “But during a shutdown, the staff at SSA and other agencies won’t get paid.”
CNN reported that the current shutdown is expected to be less disruptive than previous episodes, as several federal agencies had already received full-year funding. Rachel Snyderman, managing director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said lawmakers are likely to revisit the Senate-backed spending package in the coming days.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- Pakistan PM admits ‘begging for money’ around the world, says ‘we are ashamed’ - January 31, 2026
- Sunetra Pawar sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister - January 31, 2026
- US shutdown begins, but Social Security checks to continue - January 31, 2026
