As all of you are undoubtedly aware, the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025 because Congress and the President could not come to an agreement regarding funding to keep the government open. The early indication is that this may last for some time. Understandably, this creates concern for our clients. Below is the best information available right now about how this might affect clients who are in the process of applying for benefits.

Benefits to Current Claimants

Clients already receiving Social Security, SSI, or SSDI benefits will continue receiving payments without interruption. This has been true in all 20 previous shutdowns since 1976, and disability benefits remain funded as “mandatory spending” outside of congressional appropriations.

Pending Claims and Applications

Hearings: The Social Security Administration (SSA) will hold already scheduled disability hearings.

Initial Applications: State Disability Determination Services will continue processing initial claims, but processing speed may vary because each state controls its own staffing and funding during a lapse. Each state must independently determine whether it can maintain operations (pay its employees) during a federal funding lapse. This could lead to some states processing claims more or less as usual, but others, more affected by the funding lapse, may be processing claims more slowly.

Appeals/Reconsiderations: These will continue but probably with reduced support staff, resulting in extended processing times. Continue reading →