Yes, Social Security payments, including Supplemental Security Income and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, continue during a government shutdown.

The likelihood of the shutdown lasting another month has increased over the past few days, according to Polymarket, which showed a 38 percent chance of the shutdown lasting until November 16, as of 4:30 p.m. ET Friday. That’s up from only about 10 percent a week ago.

People across the United States may see their benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cut or become ineligible as new rules take effect in November.

The government shutdown is in its third week as the Senate failed again to advance a House-passed measure to fund the government.

Although the federal government is showing no signs that it will be open, several government services like VA benefits and passport processing are running.

Campaigners say at least 133 people have died in the UK after being exposed to a toxic substance promoted by online forums.

Democrats and Republicans remain dug in on their positions on Day 19 of the government shutdown, which has become the third-longest funding lapse in modern history.

House Republicans warn that the government shutdown is infringing Second Amendment rights as ATF furloughs delay gun owner applications for civilian firearms licenses.