Summary
Social Security workers report they cannot help with benefit verification letters during the government shutdown. Although payments continue, in-person and phone assistance for these letters is unavailable. Some people rely on these letters for accessing aid like housing and fuel assistance.
Key Facts
- Social Security offices can't provide benefit verification letters during the shutdown.
- The agency still distributes retirement and disability benefits.
- Verification letters are important for getting assistance like housing or fuel aid.
- Some recipients struggle with online or automated systems due to age or disability.
- In-person and phone support for verification letters is paused.
- The automated phone system reportedly has technical issues.
- Workers express frustration over the inability to help recipients during the shutdown.
