Social Security delays rule blocking access for vulnerable Americans
The Social Security Administration reversed its decision on in-person identity checks, deciding to allow phone applications amid criticism and office closures.
Straight Arrow News
Achieving government efficiency’s been a mantra of President Donald Trump’s second term, but some people say the slashing of the Social Security Administration will have the opposite effect or worse.
Last month, SSA announced a massive reorganization that would include “significant workforce reductions.” SSA said it set a staffing target of 50,000, down from the approximately 57,000 employees at the agency when it announced the cuts. SSA staffing was already down by more than 9% since 2015, the nonprofit AARP said.
The latest reduction immediately set off alarm bells for some politicians, policy experts, and Social Security consultants who warned the program’s 72.5 million Social Security beneficiaries could face a slowdown in the processing of benefits applications and longer waits for SSA help. Beneficiaries include retirees and children who receive retirement and disability benefits,
“Social Security administrative expenses represent less than 1% of benefits paid,” said Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington), and vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, in a press release. “It’s about 0.2% of total government spending. Cutting Social Security staff and closing offices is not going to reduce the deficit or…
