During the 43-day government shutdown in the fall of 2025, the vast majority of Social
Security workers were categorized as “essential employees” and worked without pay,
continuing to serve millions of Americans seeking access to their Social Security benefits.
Despite this “essential” status, due to these missed paychecks, Social Security workers
reported dealing with eviction, car repossession or having to go without buying groceries. At
the time, one Social Security union leader observed, “I don’t think people realize how close
[Social Security workers] live to the edge.
Read the full report.