The government shutdown can feel daunting, especially when it feels like so much is on the line. Knowing the facts of the situation can help things be less intimidating.
What We Are Experiencing
First, it’s hard to reach staff at the Social Security offices. The wait times for someone to answer our phone calls often exceeds the hold time allowed. This means we are kicked out of the system and have to call back.
Next, it is difficult to get the information that we need from SSA agents. Agents do not want to provide us information about your claim or copies of letters, documents etc. This is due to the fact that we are your representatives and not you, the claimant. Some offices are even stating that they cannot re-mail or re-send any notices to us. There have been some instances of the staff members at SSA telling us they cannot process certain documents (such as representation documents), cannot give attorneys access to electronic records, cannot give attorneys updates on the status of a claim they are representing, and asking security questions outside of the usual list.
It is important to mention that many field offices are receiving changing information about what they are permitted to do during this shutdown, so what we know now may change as events unfold. This is outside of the control of the field office’s agents and continues to evolve as the shutdown continues.
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, an organization that advocates for improvements with SSA disability programs and processes, has stated that SSA’s push back to third party representatives and claimants alike may be due to confusion or misinterpretation of the shutdown Contingency Plan, which is in the process of being addressed. However, this may take time to fully resolve, especially given the widespread nature of the problem, and the fact that many offices are receiving different and sometimes contradicting information.
What You Can Do To Help Us
It is imperative that you as our clients call, text, or email us every time you receive any mail from Social Security if you have not yet heard from us about that piece of mail. If we’ve already reached out to you about it, you do not need to worry.
If we are not able to get this information from the Social Security Administration when we need it, it is of the utmost importance that we get it from you so that we are up-to-date regarding the status of your claim and time-sensitive updates. If you receive a letter, form, or notice from the Social Security Administration about your claim please reach out to us immediately. If you have signed up for text messages from us, please text us that you received mail and the first page of the mail. Our office is very familiar with the forms and mailings that you will regularly get, and we may just need to see the first page of the mailing to adequately address it. If you have not signed up to receive our text messages, please join by sending a text “START” to 503-809-5457. The texts we will send will provide you with periodic updates about your case and is a great way to send us information you receive from SSA. This is crucial so that we can ensure that we know everything we need to know to best represent your claim.
Next, it is important that you respond to SSA mail. If we, as your representative, are not being copied on your correspondence, then you have to act diligently and timely. Keep in mind that SSA has strict deadlines that could apply to your case. If you fail to respond in a timely manner or do not request an extension, then your claim may be denied.
While this problem is in the process of being resolved, we kindly request your patience and cooperation while we navigate these uncertain situations. We know that this is very frustrating, but we are working hard to maintain as much normalcy as possible given the circumstances.
How Does This Affect You?
Payments
First and foremost, the biggest question on a lot of people’s minds is, “Will I keep getting my benefits?” The short answer is yes. If you have been approved and have been getting benefits prior to the shutdown, you will continue to get those benefits each month as usual. There are no changes to payment dates as well, so you should be able to count on those payments.
Social Security Field Offices
Local Social Security Field Offices remain open to the public, but their services have been significantly reduced due to limited resources at each location. At this time, you are still able to go to the offices for the following services:
- Apply for benefits
- Request an appeal
- Change your address or direct deposit information
- Report a death
- Verify or change your citizenship status
- Replace a lost or missing Social Security payment
- Obtain a critical payment
- Change a representative payee
- Make a change in your living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only)
- Obtain a new or replacement Social Security card
They are currently unable to do things such as providing proof of benefits letters, update or correct earning records. Additional services are on hold for the time being, but if you are unsure if something you need help with is something they can assist with, the best course of action is to communicate with Social Security, and they can advise you on how to proceed. All in-person services will resume once the Federal Government reopens.
Hearings and Hearings Offices
Hearings Offices remain open and are continuing to conduct hearings with Administrative Law Judges (ALJs,) as usual, however their additional in-person services are very limited at this time.
Future Updates
The Social Security Administration has stated that once the shutdown has come to an end, they will be posting relevant updates on all official Social Security social media accounts including Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We will keep you updated as we learn more, so visit our social media accounts and website for important updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding.