Ask Larry

I have been receiving a survivor's Social Security benefit, am almost 70 years old, and applied in late November to switch to my own work record effective January (first payment in February). I received a copy of my application in the mail, but have not received an award letter. The Social Security website says that my application is still being processed. Do you have any idea how the shutdown affects the application-processing part of the Social Security Administration? I know that benefit checks will continue, but I see conflicting reports about whether applications for benefits will be slowed down. What might happen if SSA is unable to switch my benefits in time for January? Would my survivor's benefit continue and the switch happen later? Then might I get a lump sum for the delayed amount? Or is it more likely that the application will be processed on time? I know this might be difficult to answer, but I thank you for anything you can tell me, based on your experience.

Hi,

Social Security employees are required to work during government shutdowns, so I don't think that the current shutdown will have any effect on the processing of your claim. However, if your claim isn't processed timely you'll continue to receive your survivor benefits until your claim is processed. And, if there is a delay in processing your claim, any back pay to which you're entitled should be paid as soon as your claim's processed.

Best, Jerry