Here's how the government shutdown will affect federal benefits programs

The federal government is shut down, but many government services are not.

Social Security payments will still go out because the program is considered mandatory. Seniors relying on Medicare coverage can receive benefits.

The government has enough money to fund Medicare and Medicaid services through the end of this year.

"The vast majority of people who are receiving benefits, they will not be impacted by the shutdown," said Maria Freese, with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. "Their benefits should not be affected by the shutdown."

But she says that some services could lapse.

"Things like benefit verifications. If you need a replacement Medicare card because you've lost one."

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Other benefit programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Progr