TOMS RIVER – Joseph H. Vicari, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, said he has received personal assurances from the floor of Congress that Social Security payments for the county's more than 200,000 senior citizens will continue uninterrupted, even if the federal government shuts down.

"I spoke with Congressman Chris Smith, who was on the floor of the House of Representatives this afternoon, and he reassured me that Social Security payments will not be impacted by any government shutdown," Vicari said. "Congressman Smith asked that I convey his message to the residents of Ocean County."

Vicari said the Ocean County Office of Senior Services has already received calls from residents concerned that Social Security payments will be delayed.

"Many of our older residents live on fixed incomes and are totally dependent on their monthly government checks," Vicari said. "Our staff is working hard to allay their fears and we are communicating accurate information to all of our residents."

Vicari said he will continue to work "shoulder-to-shoulder' with our Congressional representatives to protect all vital government programs.

"Our residents should not have to fear the loss of important benefits because of continuing political disputes on Capitol Hill," Vicari said.