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How The Government Shutdown Will Affect Those Receiving Social Security Benefits

The latest government shutdown has been going for over a month and doesn’t show any signs of stopping soon. Many people have been negatively impacted, and millions more are worried about how the shutdown will impact the benefits they rely on.

Benefits are still being sent out, and it’s business as usual for social security offices despite the partial shutdown. The Social Security Administration is funded through September 2019, so even if the shutdown continues for months, you won’t have to worry about making ends meet on your own.

Is Social Security open during the shutdown?

Although the government shutdown has impacted major businesses and institutions across the nation, the Social Security Administration is still up-and-running. Government offices will maintain regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

If you want to apply for social security benefits, you might want to go online. The shutdown hasn’t closed offices, but they still tend to be crowded. Applying for benefits online is faster and easier.

How can I apply for social security benefits?

First, set up an account at the official Social Security Administration’s website: https://www.ssa.gov/. You can apply for retirement benefits at age 62, but your monthly payout will be bigger if you wait until the social security full retirement age of 66 years and 2 months for people born in 1955 and 67 for people born in or after 1960.

Once you apply online, you can learn more about the type of benefits you qualify for. It’s best to learn about social security benefits through official online resources. Here are a few to get you started:

Social Security Benefits Planner

Link: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/ageincrease.html

This calculator will help you understand what “full retirement age” means and estimate your potential benefits amount.

Benefits by Year of Birth

Applying for benefits early will impact the amount of money you receive each month. Depending on your birth year, applying at age 62 opposed to the full retirement age will result in a deduction from your monthly benefits.

When to Start Retirement Benefits

You choose when you want to apply for benefits, but the decision should be thoroughly considered. This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of applying for social security benefits before the full retirement age.

Stay Informed to Be Prepared

America’s turbulent government has millions of citizens uneasy, but there’s no cause for alarm right now. The Social Security Administration will continue to send out benefits on time during the shutdown, so you won’t have to worry about losing money.

Stay on top of current news and frequently check the internet to find out about any changes to benefits payments as early as possible or visit a local social security office near you for more information.

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