The Impending Debt Ceiling Crisis and Its Impact on Social Security Benefits.

Lawmakers warn of a possible Social Security "shutdown" due to the debt ceiling. If the government no longer has the legal authority to borrow, Social Security beneficiaries may have their checks delayed, causing significant hardship. A debt default and a government shutdown are different, and failure to increase or eliminate the debt ceiling may lead to a default. The threat of Social Security not going out is "exceptionally low," but it is the responsibility of members of Congress to explain the potential consequences if no action is taken.