U.S. Government Shutdown 2025: What It Means for Your Social Security, VA, and SNAP Benefits

As the federal government shuts down on October 1, 2025, many Americans are worried: Will my benefits stop? Below is the current picture based on contingency plans, statements by agencies, and historical norms.

The short answer: No, core payments are expected to continue, for now. But many administrative services and processes may face delays or suspensions if the shutdown drags on.

Related: 

• Government Shutdown 2025: How It Affects the Military, Air Travel, Health Services, and Nutrition Programs
• Housing Market in Limbo: How the Government Shutdown Impacts Mortgages, Flood Insurance, and Homebuyers

Social Security: Payments Protected, Services May Be Curtailed

Why payments keep going

Social Security benefits (retirement, disability, SSI) are funded via mandatory spending, not annual discretionary budgets. That means checks or direct deposits will continue even if the government is shut down. 

What does get affected?

• Processing for new benefit claims, overpayments, earnings record corrections, and replacing Medicare or Social Security cards may be delayed or paused. 

• SSA will operate with reduced staffing; roughly 45,000 employees (about 90%) are designated to continue critical operations.

• Customer service wait times, in-office appointments, and nonessential services may be suspended.

COLA announcement risk

The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announcement may be delayed.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) inflation data (especially September’s CPI) is essential for the calculation. If BLS operations are disrupted, SSA may not have the data in time.

VA Benefits: Mostly Safe, but Some Services Disrupted

What continues?

The majority of VA benefits, disability compensation, pension payments, education benefits, home loan subsidies, and other core programs, are expected to continue during the shutdown. 

Veteran medical care and critical services such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and crisis lines will remain open.

What might pause

• Regional VA benefits offices may close or face reduced capacity. 

• Programs like Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), education call centers, and transition assistance may be suspended. 

SNAP / Food Stamps: October Payments Expected to Arrive

SNAP benefits for October 2025 are expected to proceed as scheduled despite the shutdown. 

States typically receive funding ahead of time and contract with EBT vendors to ensure payments continue. 

However, if the shutdown lasts longer, states may exhaust reserves and risk delays in later months. 

What to Watch & Do

• Report life changes (change of address, income, etc.) carefully — delays or errors may increase risk of overpayment or disruption.

• Use online services for SSA, VA, or SNAP when possible — field offices may be closed or understaffed.

• Expect slower processing of new claims, appeals, and administrative tasks.

• Monitor announcements from SSA and VA regarding any changes to the COLA timeline or benefit notices.

• In case of issues, keep proof of benefit payments, notifications, and correspondence.

Takeaway

Your Social Security, VA, and SNAP payments for October 2025 are not expected to stop due to the government shutdown.

These are largely protected. But numerous support and administrative services may slow or pause, especially if the shutdown continues for weeks.

The biggest uncertainty: a delay to the 2026 COLA announcement if inflation data collection or agency operations are disrupted.

If you rely on these benefits, now is a good time to double-check your accounts, stay alert for changes, and have a backup plan for essential costs.

-

Don't miss out on general benefits information!

Subscribe for the latest updates, expert advice, and valuable tips to help you maximize your benefits and financial well-being.

Stay informed—sign up now!