As representatives, we see firsthand how critical the Social Security Administration (SSA) is to the lives of claimants. Every day, individuals and families rely on timely decisions, accurate information, and access to benefits that help them meet their most basic needs. When the government is at risk of shutting down, as it is now with funding set to expire on September 30, 2025, the stability of this process is threatened.

For claimants, uncertainty is more than an inconvenience. A shutdown could mean delays in hearings, slower processing times, and limited access to SSA staff. For someone waiting on a disability determination, even a short delay can create real hardship: missed rent, unpaid medical bills, or lost access to care.

For representatives, shutdowns make it harder to serve our clients effectively. We depend on SSA's systems and personnel to move cases forward. When those systems slow down or pause, claimants are left in limbo, and our ability to advocate is constrained.

The Ripple Effects Go Beyond SSA

While Social Security disability determinations are our primary concern, a government shutdown creates cascading effects that impact the entire disability community. Federal agencies that oversee housing assistance, food programs, and healthcare services may face staffing reductions or temporary closures. For people with disabilities who often rely on multiple support systems, losing access to even one program can destabilize their entire support network.

Consider a claimant who depends on SNAP benefits while awaiting their disability determination, or someone who needs federally funded transportation services to attend their hearing. A shutdown doesn't just delay one process—it can disrupt the interconnected web of services that keep vulnerable Americans afloat.

Real People, Real Consequences

The financial strain on people awaiting disability benefits cannot be overstated. Most claimants have already lost their primary source of income due to their disability. They're often spending down life savings, relying on family support, or struggling to keep up with medical expenses. Any additional delay in their cases can push them from financial stress into genuine crisis.

A Call for Consistent Leadership

That's why stable and consistent government funding matters. Social Security is a lifeline, and SSA must have the resources to fulfill its mission without disruption. We urge Congress to act quickly to keep the government open, fund SSA, and protect the millions of people who depend on timely disability decisions.

We call on every member of Congress to remember the faces behind the case numbers, to consider the families who will go without, and to act swiftly to prevent a government shutdown. The people we serve are counting on you.