As many of you known, if there is no agreement on the federal budget by midnight tonight, there will be a partial government shutdown. This shutdown will last until there is a budget agreement. As of today, SSA has issued plans for how it will operate during any shutdown. Here are some of the highlights:
Will Disability Payments Continue? Yes. SSA has recognized that disability payments under Title II and Title XVI are funded indefinitely through trust funds. As a consequence, those payments will continue.
Will the Local SSA Offices Be Open? Yes, the SSA offices in Indianapolis, Anderson and throughout the nation will be open but on reduced hours and for only critical functions. For example, disability applications and adjudications will continue but the issuance of new and replacement SS cards will not occur.
Will ODAR Hearings Be Held? Yes. All scheduled ODAR hearings at the Indianapolis ODAR as well as throughout the nation, will be held. No new cases will be scheduled. The ODAR offices will not have employees except for security personnel. The ALJ will continue to decide cases but those decisions may not be written and mailed out during the shutdown.