Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.<\/a><\/p>\nSocial Security staffing cuts could have huge consequences<\/p>\n
\nThe Center for American Progress reports that from January 2025 to November
\n2025, the SSA’s staff shrunk by 6,645 employees. Not only does reduced staff
\nmake it harder to get appointments, but in some cases, it’s led to the closure
\nof field offices in rural areas.
\n<\/p>\n
\nMeanwhile, in a January 2026 survey by the Strategic Organizing Center, 70% of
\nSSA employees admitted that services are now slower for Americans, while 65%
\nsaid service quality has gotten worse. And more than 90% of SSA employees
\nreported increased stress on the job.
\n<\/p>\n
Social Security staffing cuts are hurting some states the most<\/p>\n
\nAlthough staffing cuts at the SSA are hurting Americans across the country, some
\nstates are bearing the brunt more so than others. A good 42 states and
\nWashington, D.C. saw SSA staff losses of more than 10% between January 2025 and
\nApril 2026, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, citing data
\nfrom the Office of Personnel Management.
\n<\/p>\n
\nThe states that lost the greatest percentage of staff include:
\n<\/p>\n
New Mexico, which lost 23% of staff
\nWashington, D.C. and Hawaii, which lost 21% of staff
\nWyoming, which lost 18% of staff
\nColorado, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, and Wisconsin, which lost 17% of
\nstaff<\/p>\n
\nOlder Americans in states with the greatest losses in staff, percentage-wise,
\nrisk repercussions that run the gamut from longer hold times on the phone to
\nlonger wait times for appointments\/fewer appointment slots. They also risk
\nhaving to travel farther for in-person appointments due to local SSA field
\noffice closures.
\n<\/p>\n
\nThe SSA says it is on a mission to modernize services. In early 2025, it said,
\n“Digital modernization is a ‘whole agency’ effort to upgrade or replace current
\nprocesses, policies, and technologies to improve the customer and employee
\nexperience.”
\n<\/p>\n
\nSSA commissioner Frank Bisignano also claims that the SSA has reduced wait times
\nby phone by 75% under his leadership while serving 50% more people, ABC News
\nreported.
\n<\/p>\n
Make sure you’re able to get your benefits<\/p>\n
\nSocial Security staffing cuts are not the same thing as actual benefit cuts. But
\nboth could function similarly. So it’s important to take steps to make sure
\nyou’re able to get your benefits.
\n<\/p>\n
\nIf you’re gearing up to claim Social Security, make sure to set up a my Social Security
\nAccount. You can use it to file for benefits online, which could expedite
\nthe process.
\n<\/p>\n
\nIt’s also important to check your earnings record once you create that account.
\nIf you notice mistakes, you’ll want to flag them to the SSA as soon as possible
\ngiven that you may encounter a backlog in getting the issue resolved. An
\nincorrect earnings record could lead to smaller retirement benefits.
\n<\/p>\n
\nIf your benefit claim is approved, make sure to enroll in direct deposit so your
\nmoney hits your bank account sooner. And identify your nearest SSA field office
\nin case you need questions answered in person.
\n<\/p>\n
Bottom line<\/p>\n
\nYour Social Security benefits will most likely play a big role in your retirement plan<\/a>. But given
\nthe program’s recent staffing cuts, you may find that it’s harder to file for
\nbenefits, get your questions answered, or resolve issues pertaining to your
\nmonthly checks.
\n<\/p>\n
\nThat’s why it’s important to be vigilant about your benefits. File
\nstrategically, keep tabs on your wage history, and know where to get help when
\nyou need it.
\n<\/p>\n
\nWith any luck, there will be pressure on the SSA to restore staff. But until
\nthat happens, you may need to be more proactive.
\n<\/p>\n
\n Subscribe Today\n <\/p>\n
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