What happens if Congress doesn't fund the government?
If lawmakers can't reach a deal to avoid a shutdown, many federal workers would be furloughed, while essential functions like Social Security payments would continue.
Social Security
This disabled woman built a career. A federal program that helped now penalizes her
Supplemental Security Income provides the medical care that lets people work. But its rules are complex and out of date.
Why you should think twice before posting that cute photo of your kid online
Oversharing can make children vulnerable to identity theft, harassment and predators. To protect their privacy, share a 'holiday card-or-less' amount of data online, says expert Leah Plunkett.
The clock is ticking to fix Social Security as retirees face automatic cut in 9 years
Social Security's finances have improved slightly in the last year. But the popular retirement program still faces big challenges including the threat of automatic benefit cuts in less than a decade.
6 takeaways from the third Republican primary debate
At the GOP debate in Miami, five Republicans sparred over top issues include the Israel-Hamas war, Ukraine, China, abortion and Social Security. Here's what you need to know.
Social Security recipients will get a smaller increase in benefits as inflation cools
Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 3.2% cost of living adjustment next year. Inflation has been moderating recently, with consumer prices in September up 3.7% from a year ago.
These kids used to get the bill for their own foster care. Now that's changing
States routinely took the benefits checks of children in foster care who were orphans or disabled. After an NPR/Marshall Project investigation, there's reform.
Biden says debt ceiling deal 'very close.' Here's why so far it remains elusive
The Treasury estimates the country could default on its loans early next month. But negotiators are still hashing out key provisions like whether to expand work requirements for federal assistance.
These are some of the people who'll be impacted if the U.S. defaults on its debts
Unless Congress acts to raise the federal debt limit, the U.S. government could run short of cash to pay its bills as early as June 1. Seniors, veterans, government workers and others would suffer.
Social Security is now expected to run short of cash by 2033
Policymakers will need to patch the Social Security program by 2033 to avoid draconian cuts in benefits, a year earlier than had been predicted. A trust fund for Medicare will run out of cash by 2031.