Whenever government operations pause or shut down for any reason, it is disconcerting. These operations are especially crucial to those people who receive payments from the Social Security Administration. Those payments could be retirement benefits or disability insurance benefits. Either way, anyone receiving such payments needs to know that their benefit payments will continue unabated.
What happens with Social Security in the event of a pandemic, though?
Will these payments go on as they were? Will new claim applications still be considered?
Payments and new claims are still being processed, just as they were before Shelter in Place.
Here are a few of the most relevant questions and answers from the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
Q: Will unemployment benefits affect my Social Security benefits?
A: Unemployment benefits do not affect or reduce retirement and disability benefits. State unemployment compensation payments are not wages because they are paid due to unemployment rather than employment. However, income from Social Security may reduce your unemployment compensation. Contact your state unemployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction.
Q: Will unemployment benefits affect my Supplemental Security Income payment?
A: Unemployment insurance benefits are considered unearned income. If you, your spouse, or a child living in your household have any income other than your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment, including unemployment insurance benefits, you must tell the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Q: Will I still receive my Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment by mail?
A: Yes. Please visit the United States Postal Service for their latest statements about COVID-19. You can visit the SSA website to learn how to sign up for Direct Deposit as well.