Anyone receiving disability beneits in Peachtree City may have questions about their disability payments in light of the government shutdown. The most important thing to know, however, is that Social Security disability benefits will continue to be given out and given out on time. This is important, as for most Georgians on disability benefits, these government funds are the only source of income they have.
Not all disability-related services will be running during the shutdown, however. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for example, will not be open during the shutdown. This could be problematic if local housing agencies do not have enough money to provide housing assistance. Many local agencies are reporting sufficient funds, but since there is no end date in sight, it is possible that those funds will not outlast the shutdown.
Similarly, the U.S. Department of Justice will not be fully enforcing disability protections under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act. Whether this means that any claims of discrimination on the basis of disability will be postponed or ignored completely remains to be seen.
Research will also be negatively affected by the government shutdown.
Ultimately, for many people in Peachtree City, federal disability benefits are an essential source of income. During the government shutdown, however, employees in the Social Security Administration offices will be operating with limited funds. The offices will not perform all services during the shutdown.
Anyone who is unable to work because of a disabling medical condition may wish to work with a disability benefits attorney to apply for these important benefits. Regardless of the shutdown, it is important to get an application filed for when the government reopens.
Source:
Disability Scoop, “What The Shutdown Means For Disability Services,” Michelle Diament, Oct. 1, 2013
