More than 1/4 of American seniors have no income other than Social Security. https://www.nrmlaonline.org/2024/11/08/two-thirds-of-seniors-rely-on-social-security-for-more-than-half-their-income For those whose only or primary income is Social Security, not getting a check would be catastrophic. It's only not a big deal for those with other income (including, presumably, his MIL)