The 2013 Goverment Shutdown and Social Security

During the current government shutdown, the Social Security Administration will continue to provide many services. Benefit checks will still be issued. Social Security Disability and SSI appeal hearings will continue to be held. However, there are some “non-essential” services that will be discontinued during the shutdown.

Here is a list of important Social Security services that will continue during the 2013 government shutdown:

• Applications for Social Security and SSI benefits will be accepted.
• Requests for Hearings will be processed.
• Social Security Disability, SSI, and Child SSI appeal hearings will be held.

Here is a list of some of the services that Social Security will discontinue during the government shutdown:

• Replacement Social Security and Medicare cards will not be issued.
• The Hearing Office will not issue On-the-Record decisions.
• New Social Security Disability, SSI, and Child SSI hearings will not be scheduled.
• The Hearing Office will not perform administrative and clerical duties, such as docketing, sending out notices, or preparing electronic records.
• Social Security Disability, SSI, and Child SSI hearing-level decisions will not be written.

At McCroskey Law, we realize that the shutdown will slow down the Social Security Disability, SSI, and Child SSI application and appeal process for many of our clients. We share your frustration.

However, it is important that Social Security claimants realize that they still must meet the 60-day filing deadlines for Social Security Disability, SSI, and Child SSI appeals during the shutdown. If you need help with your Social Security Disability, SSI, or Child SSI claim, contact McCroskey Law today.