Social Security payments will go out as scheduled. Here’s a look at what happens with Social Security payments:Does Social Security stop in a government shutdown? In short:No, Social Security payments will continue as scheduled during a government shutdown. Social Security is a program that relies on permanent spending that’s already been approved by Congress, so it continues during a shutdown. Social Security October paymentsBig picture view:The Social Security Administration sends regular monthly payments (SSA benefits), but the date varies – generally depending on the day you were born.