When Will the Government Shut Down? What Californians Need to Know

The U.S. federal government could shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1 if Congress fails to pass a funding deal. Lawmakers in Washington remain at a stalemate, raising concerns for millions of Americans, including those in California.

Democrats and Republicans have both proposed temporary funding extensions, but neither side has secured enough support. The House approved a stopgap measure earlier in September, but it failed in the Senate. Democrats pushed a different short-term plan focused on health care protections, but that effort also stalled.

Government Shutdown: Key Details and Social Security Impact

According to USA TODAY and multiple California lawmakers, if Congress does not act, federal agencies will begin to close nonessential services when the fiscal year ends at midnight on Sept. 30. This would be the first “true” shutdown since December 2018–January 2019, when government operations halted for 35 days during Donald Trump’s first term.

Many Californians are asking about Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Lawmakers including Representatives Mark Takano and Salud Carbajal have stated that benefit payments will continue even if the government shuts down. Social Security checks, SSI, and related direct deposits are funded separately and do not require yearly congressional approval.

However, Social Security Administration (SSA) services will be limited. Card replacements, benefit verification letters, and some in-office support may pause or face long delays. Customer service wait times are expected to increase if a shutdown happens. The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warns that benefit verifications and some card issuances could stop entirely until funding is restored.

California has one of the largest populations of Social Security and SSI recipients. More than 6.5 million Californians get Social Security, with nearly 78% retired workers. Over 1.1 million receive SSI, many due to disability or blindness.

October Payment Schedule for Social Security and SSI

Despite the funding uncertainty, the October payment schedule is set. SSI payments are due Oct. 1. People who receive both SSI and Social Security or who started Social Security before May 1997 will get their checks on Oct. 3.

Regular Social Security payments for others follow the birthday-based schedule:

• Oct. 8: Birth dates 1–10
• Oct. 15: Birth dates 11–20
• Oct. 22: Birth dates 21–31

These payments are not expected to be delayed by the shutdown, but contacting SSA for help or updates could be harder if offices scale back services.

Wider Impact and What to Expect

A shutdown affects more than benefits offices. Federal workers could be furloughed or asked to work without pay until funding returns. National parks, museums, and some public health programs may close or operate with limited staff. Economic experts warn that even a short shutdown could slow services and shake public confidence.

Californians who rely on Social Security and SSI payments can expect their money on time, but should be prepared for slower support if they need new cards, verification letters, or help resolving benefit issues.

The government shutdown countdown is now down to hours. If Congress does not strike a deal by midnight Sept. 30, nonessential services will pause, but Social Security and SSI payments will continue to reach Californians as scheduled.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will the government shut down if no deal is reached?

The shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1 if Congress does not pass a funding bill.

Q2: Will Social Security checks stop during the shutdown?

No. Social Security benefits will continue, but SSA services may be delayed or reduced.

Q3: What about SSI payments in California?

SSI payments will still go out. October payments are scheduled for Oct. 1.

Q4: What services might stop at SSA offices?

Card replacements, benefit verifications, and some in-person help may pause or slow down.

Q5: When was the last U.S. government shutdown?

The last major shutdown lasted from December 2018 to January 2019.

References

USA TODAY. (2025). Government shutdown could impact services but Social Security checks continue. September 29, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Congress faces Oct. 1 deadline to avoid shutdown as talks stall. September 28, 2025.

BBC News. (2019). US government shutdown ends after record 35 days. January 25, 2019.