How the federal gov't shutdown may affect some services in the Hudson Valley
Many federal employees aren't getting paychecks due to the government shutdown, but that does not mean basic services will simply evaporate right away.
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Many federal employees aren't getting paychecks due to the government shutdown, but that does not mean basic services will simply evaporate right away.
Luis Sanchez said he came to the Social Security office in West Nyack Wednesday with a friend to fill out basic paperwork, and it went quite smoothly.
Sanchez does not see the shutdown disrupting his life - yet.
"Because it's too soon," he said laughing. "The problems will be tomorrow and after."
Joseph Malifrando had just applied for a new Social Security card and did not notice any changes just looking around the lobby.
"They were very good in there. Everybody was nice," he said. "Nobody seemed upset about the government shutdown."
Social Security Administration chief financial officer Tom Holland told agency employees in a letter that while many would not be receiving paychecks during the shutdown, they would still be providing most services.
According to the agency's contingency plan, people can still apply for benefits, apply for Social Security cards and submit appeals regarding benefits.
Under the shutdown, the agency cannot grant benefits to new applicants, change or update certain records nor replace Medicare cards.
Several locals said that on their ways to the office, they were expecting a disruption or cancellation but were pleasantly surprised.
Jillian Donahue had no problems updating her documents with her new last name.
She is more concerned about what might happen to other federal agencies and programs.
"They took me in and everything was fine," she said of her experience at the SSA office. "But going forward, I do have a small child, so services like WIC and other things like that might be an issue going forward."
Social Security, by law, must remain funded and keep providing most services.
Experts have said federal food assistance programs, for instance, are vulnerable and could run out of funds in a few weeks if the shutdown persists.
