The US federal government shut down at midnight after President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats failed to reach a funding deal. The lapse marks the nation’s 15th shutdown since 1981. While hundreds of thousands of federal workers face furloughs, the fate of Social Security and other benefits has become a key question for millions of Americans.

Social Security checks keep coming

Social Security payments do not stop during a shutdown. Because the program is funded through mandatory spending and permanent appropriations authorized by Congress, retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits continue regardless of annual budget battles.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is projected to pay out $1.6 trillion to 72 million beneficiaries this year, makin

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