Unfortunately, not even Social Security employees probably know what will happen to their jobs if Congress does not pass a funding bill just hours before the government is slated to shutdown for a lack of funding. The deadline is midnight Jan. 20.
There have been shutdowns in the past, which resulted in government workers being furloughed until a funding package was approved by Congress, but last time this occurred most Social Security employees were informed to stay on the job, with the exception of some employees at hearing’s offices. This time around, no one really knows what will happen or if Social Security will inform thousands of employees not to show-up for work the following Monday. Social Security’s Acting Commissioner, Nancy Berryhill issued the following message to all Social Security employees.
“As many of you are aware, annual funding for the government expires on January 19. The Executive Branch does not believe it is necessary for a lapse in funding to occur, and looks forward to working with the Congress to finalize appropriations for this year.
However, prudent management requires that we be prepared for all contingencies, including the possibility that a lapse could occur. A lapse would mean that a number of government activities would cease due to a lack of appropriated funding, and that a number of employees would be temporarily furloughed. To prepare for this possibility, we are working to update our contingency plans for executing an orderly shutdown of activities that would be affected by a lapse in appropriations.
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and patience through this process, and for all that you do for the Social Security Administration and the American people.”
The only way we will really know what will happen is if Congress does not pass a funding bill by the deadline and Monday is here and what Social Security employees are instructed to do.
