The Social Security Administration (SSA) has worked hard to ensure that their beneficiaries receive the best possible care, but their efforts may soon be thwarted by Congress, as House Republicans refused to increase necessary funding for the SSA in the continuing resolution passed in September.
This reluctance caused the agency to impose a hiring freeze last month, resulting in the biggest staffing crisis in 50 years and a record number of beneficiaries to service. This will result in longer wait times on the phone or online while attempting to handle issues, potentially leading to a slew of difficulties down the road.
The SSA stated the issue. “If SSA does not receive an increase in funding by March, over 2,000 additional employees, including experienced staff, will be lost through attrition in the next three months.” Customer service will suffer as wait times in our field offices and on the 800 number rise, backlogs build, and clients face additional delays in getting their claims resolved.”
The Administration, which was doing well under former Commissioner Martin O’Malley’s leadership, made a valiant attempt to work with the existing budget, but the situation is unsustainable, especially if more cuts are imposed. According to an SSA spokesperson, “Under the existing Continuing Resolution (which did not include the Administration’s requested anomaly), the Social Security Administration was forced to implement a hiring freeze on November 21.” Many of our recent advances would be lost if we continue to get stagnant funding.”
The SSA is not the only agency suffering from these cuts; the IRS and the Federal Aviation Administration, both significant actors, have begun their countdown to employment freezes due to a lack of allocated funds.
Impact of Lack of Funding on Social Security
If the budget problem is not resolved, agency staff would likely face up to ten days of furlough, with offices closing and service levels plummeting. The spokeswoman continued: “Our field offices, card centers, and the national 800 number would have reduced service levels and further delay critical services that the public depends on.”
However, it is not only SSA personnel that are concerned. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), a Senate Appropriations Committee member, also warned about the program’s lack of money and its impact on participants. “The Senate Appropriations bill increased funding. The House Appropriations bill reduced them significantly. It would be disastrous if they had to furlough employees. We should not reduce the Social Security budget. It merely makes it more difficult for Americans to receive their benefits. It implies a significant decline in customer service. “I don’t understand why anyone would support that.”
The absence of financing, which would be $401 million below its fiscal 2024 operating level and $1.6 billion below President Biden’s request for enhanced spending, would cripple services, but Republicans appear unconcerned.
They contend that Biden’s plan is “unsustainable and could lead to significant reductions in other non-defense discretionary areas.” One Republican Senator blamed the problem on the agency’s staff working from home, unwilling to hear any other explanation. He is not alone; several House Republicans point out that only 39% of SSA officials in Washington work at least three days per week.
A Republican adviser added, “They have the resources and should responsibly use the increase they’ve already been given,” but it may not be that straightforward.
The Trump transition team and congressional Republicans are advancing ideas for a new “Department of Government Efficiency” overseen by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The effort intends to streamline federal processes, with Musk suggesting $2 trillion in budget cutbacks. The two had early talks with Republicans on Capitol Hill to outline their vision.
