How would a government shutdown affect Social Security recipients?

Even if a U.S. government shutdown begins on Oct. 1, the 74 million Americans who collect Social Security will continue receiving their monthly checks, although some services could be disrupted due to a potential halt in federal activities, according to experts.

Social Security benefits are covered by mandatory spending, which means that the funding for the program has already been approved by Congress without an expiration date. As a result, Social Security recipients including retirees, disabled Americans and the dependents of deceased workers wouldn't see an interruption in their monthly payments if the government shuts down.

However, other Social Security services could be impacted by a shutdown, according to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. The Soc