Social Security workers say the shutdown has them unable to help with benefit letters

"Not only do people need these letters when they apply for those benefits, but they also often need to recertify to prove that they continue to have an eligible income level, and it often happens on a deadline," says Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities."

"Anywhere between 60 to 70% of our calls are, 'I need my benefit verification letter right now at this time' during the shutdown," says Tierra Carter, a teleservice worker at an office in Tampa, Fla., who also represents a chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees."

"A beneficiary cannot receive a benefit verification letter from the telephone receiver or by walking in through their local Social Security office. And that burdens a lot of our recipients."

Social Security continues to disburse retirement and disability benefits, but field offices cannot provide in-person or live-call assistance issuing benefit verification letters during the shutdown. Benefit verification letters serve as income documentation required for housing assistance, fuel aid, nonprofit support, and periodic recertifications that often have deadlines. Beneficiaries can access letters online and via the automated phone system, but many older recipients need staff help and cannot use those options. Field office workers report a surge of calls requesting verification letters and say the lack of in-person and call support burdens recipients.

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