The United States Capitol building is seen in Washington D.C., United States on October 4, 2023.
Congress took a step toward avoiding a looming government shutdown when it reached an agreement on top-line spending over the weekend.
Even if lawmakers fail to finalize an agreement by the necessary deadlines, there’s good news for approximately 67 million Americans who rely on Social Security for monthly benefit checks.
What most people worry about is, ‘Are we going to get our check?’ said Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.
And the answer is ‘yes,’ he said.
Washington lawmakers face two fiscal year 2024 deadlines. On Jan. 19, four regular spending bills that Congress typically passes are set to expire, while the remaining eight are due to expire on Feb. 2.
Now that lawmakers have agreed on $1.59 trillion in spending for this fiscal year, they still have to agree on how to allocate those funds and pass the bills.
The potential government shutdown has created concerns among Social Security beneficiaries, who rely on those monthly benefit checks to cover essential expenses. However, according to Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, beneficiaries can rest assured that their checks will continue to arrive.
What most people worry about is, ‘Are we going to get our check?’ And the answer is ‘yes,’ Richtman reassured.
These words of reassurance come as relief to the approximately 67 million Americans who rely on Social Security as a crucial source of income. With the government inching closer to a shutdown due to unresolved spending bills, beneficiaries were concerned about the potential disruption to their financial stability.
Washington lawmakers now face pressing deadlines to pass the spending bills, with four set to expire on Jan. 19 and the remaining eight due to expire on Feb. 2. However, even if they fail to reach an agreement in time, Social Security beneficiaries can count on receiving their monthly benefit checks.
The agreement on top-line spending reached over the weekend buys some time for lawmakers to hash out the details of how the allocated funds will be used. While the potential for a government shutdown looms, there is hope that a resolution can be reached to prevent any disruption to essential services.
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is a leading advocate for protecting these vital programs. Max Richtman’s affirmation that Social Security benefit checks will continue to be issued provides comfort to the millions of Americans who depend on them.
As the fiscal year 2024 deadlines approach, the focus will now be on Washington lawmakers as they navigate the complexities of budget allocation and bill passage. Social Security beneficiaries, however, can take solace in the fact that their much-needed checks are secure amidst the uncertainty of government funding.
In a time marked by economic challenges, the assurance of continued financial stability is a welcome relief. Social Security remains a lifeline for individuals and families across the United States, and the confirmation of uninterrupted benefit checks brings peace of mind to those who rely on them.
While the nation awaits the resolution of the fiscal year 2024 spending bills, Social Security beneficiaries can rest assured that their financial well-being is a top priority. The words of Max Richtman serve as a reminder that even amidst political uncertainties, the government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to the American people.
