The potential impact of a US debt default on Social Security payments and Americans.
Social Security payments, which are scheduled to be sent out on June 2, could be delayed if the US debt ceiling impasse is not resolved. This could affect the oldest and most vulnerable of the roughly 66 million retirees, disabled workers, and others in the entitlement program. Many senior citizens rely on Social Security for most of their living expenses, and a delay in payments could cause them to struggle to pay for basic necessities like rent, food, and utilities. The Treasury Department may prioritize Social Security benefits, but it's not known exactly how it will handle making payments with the funds it has on hand.