Federal Government Shutdown

At Hurley Elder Care Law, we know how vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP (food assistance) are for older adults living in Georgia. The federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, has potential ripple effects across these supports, some immediate and some emerging.

Social Security & Medicare/Medicaid

The good news is that payments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will continue uninterrupted, since they are funded by mandatory spending rather than annual appropriations. Make sure you have a SSA online account set up to make changes and check on your benefits. In Georgia, this means roughly 1.98 million Social Security recipients should get their usual payments on time. That said, many administrative services through the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be delayed: corrections to earnings records, benefit verification letters, Medicare card replacements, and in-office services are all subject to workforce disruptions.

SNAP & WIC – Food assistance

These are the most vulnerable. In Georgia, over 1.35 million people are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and as many as 231,000 women and children rely on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. SNAP benefits are funded on a month-to-month basis. While October benefits are currently being paid, reports indicate that November payments may be halted if the shutdown continues. For seniors in Georgia, especially those on fixed incomes or low-income households, a disruption in food benefit access is a serious concern.

What this means for Georgia seniors

If you’re a senior in Georgia relying on food assistance, or you assist someone who is, now is the time to plan. Make sure SNAP eligibility is up-to-date, consider alternative food support resources (such as local food banks), and monitor communications from the Georgia Department of Human Services. For Social Security/Medicare-related issues, know that while your check will come, your ability to get service at local SSA offices may be limited. At Hurley Elder Care Law, we’re paying close attention to the impact of benefit changes on our clients.

Stay alert

In short, while the core financial benefits for older adults remain secure for now, the supporting administrative and food assistance programs are under pressure. Georgia seniors should stay alert, stay informed, and plan ahead.

Hurley Elder Care Law is dedicated to serving Georgia’s seniors. Contact us today at 404-843-0121 to learn how we can assist with your estate plan, asset protection, Medicaid planning, guardianship/conservatorship, and probate.