How will Medicare be affected?
Because Medicare is an entitlement program and not a discretionary program, Medicare benefits are not subject to the appropriation process. That means your benefits are safe; Medicare will remain mostly unaffected by the shutdown because it is deemed essential and mandatory spending.
How does a shutdown work?
During this particular government shutdown, 400,000 federal employees are expected to work without pay and another 350,000 employees will be furloughed, or granted an involuntary leave of absence without pay. Furloughed employees will still have jobs when the shutdown ends and will retain their benefits in the meantime.
Why is the shutdown happening?
The shutdown comes down to a spending argument and Democrats being unwilling to pass a funding bill that would allocate $5.7 billion for a border wall.
What Is a Government Shutdown Furlough?
Shutdown furloughs happen at the beginning of the fiscal year if no funding has been allocated. Congress and the President must approve twelve appropriations bills in order to continue providing funding for government operations. These bill give the funding needed for the various government agencies, including the Social Security Administration.
What About My Benefits?
All essential services will continue during a shutdown. This includes your Social Security and disability checks. So during the shutdown, you will still receive your Social Security and disability benefits.
How Will the Shutdown Affect Me?
While your checks and processing of Medicare will still occur, some sections of the Social Security Administration will be affected during a shutdown. Many SSA employees would be placed on furlough, so you'll have fewer government resources available to you such as people available in your local administration office.
Will I get my Social Security check if there's a shutdown?
Yes, Social Security benefits will continue to go out in the event of a government shutdown. That's because Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are among the mandatory spending that isn't subject to annual appropriations from Congress.
Will a government shutdown affect food stamps?
No, a government shutdown would not affect food stamps, at least initially.
How many times has the U.S. government shut down?
Since the modern budget process was put in place by Congress in 1976, there have been 20 "funding gaps," however the level of "shutdown" has varied widely in each case. And up until 1980, the government continued normal operations through six of those gaps.
What was the longest government shutdown?
The last partial government shutdown, which started in Dec. 2018 and continued into Jan. 2019, was the longest in U.S. history.
Would this be a full or partial shutdown?
This would also be a full shutdown because Congress hasn't yet passed any of the 12 funding bills. The 2018-2019 shutdown was a partial shutdown because Congress at the time had already approved five of the appropriations bills.
If Congress Doesn't Pass Its Spending Bills
Congress often fails to pass its annual spending bills on time to provide funding for the next year. When that happens, Congress generally passes what's called "continuing resolutions," which allow the government to continue to spend money until Congress passes the spending bills.
If Congress Doesn't Raise the Debt Limit
The issue surrounding the federal debt limit is separate from the annual spending bill fights that can lead to government shutdowns.
Services That Social Security Will Stop Providing
If the government does shut down, the Social Security Administration will continue holding disability hearings and sending monthly checks, but it will temporarily stop providing "non-mandatory services," including requests for benefits verifications, corrections to earning records, or replacement Medicare cards.
Will I get my Social Security check if there's a shutdown?
Yes, Social Security benefits will continue to go out in the event of a government shutdown. That's because Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are among the mandatory spending that isn't subject to annual appropriations from Congress.
Will a government shutdown affect food stamps?
No, a government shutdown would not affect food stamps, at least initially.
How many times has the U.S. government shut down?
Since the modern budget process was put in place by Congress in 1976, there have been 20 "funding gaps," however the level of "shutdown" has varied widely in each case. And up until 1980, the government continued normal operations through six of those gaps.
What was the longest government shutdown?
The last partial government shutdown, which started in Dec. 2018 and continued into Jan. 2019, was the longest in U.S. history.
Would this be a full or partial shutdown?
This would also be a full shutdown because Congress hasn't yet passed any of the 12 funding bills. The 2018-2019 shutdown was a partial shutdown because Congress at the time had already approved five of the appropriations bills.
Threats loom of the first government shutdown since before the COVID-19 pandemic
As Democrats seek to suspend the debt limit in order to avoid a government shutdown, Republicans have blocked a bill that would make it a sure thing. Across party lines, Senate members are struggling to find a meeting ground on spending.
Which employees get furloughed during a government shutdown?
Each federal agency has its own shutdown plan as organized by the OMB (Office of Management and Budget). Many agencies have to halt activities and temporarily furlough employees. A full shutdown turns off:
What happens to the U.S. credit rating in a shutdown?
A government shutdown isn't as bad as a default. In a default, many more parties would be out of a paycheck. The government wouldn't be able to repay debts due to the debt limit. The economic impact would arguably be disastrous, which is why politicians are so keen on avoiding it.
How would a government shutdown impact the average American?
During a shutdown, Americans wouldn't be able to access federal services that they've come to depend on. COVID-19 pandemic assistance is still part of our fiscal world, and a shutdown would cause that to halt.