Maneuvering Social Security as it Downsizes
The Social Security Administration is facing major staffing reductions that will make it slower and less efficient.
Dear Savvy Senior,
My local Social Security office was recently shut down because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by Elon Musk and DOGE. All this disruption makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My question is, how are we supposed to get help with our Social Security questions or problems now that our office is permanently closed? What can you tell me?
—Anxious Erin
Dear Erin,
I’ve been getting a lot of questions on this very topic. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing massive budget cuts and layoffs under President Donald Trump’s administration, which is leading to dozens of office closures and a lot of angst across the country.
Led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Social Security policy experts believe these deep staff cuts could cause interruptions in monthly benefit payments, an increase in improper payments, delays in the processing of new benefit applications and disability claims, and longer wait times for Social Security help.
There are 72.5 million Americans who currently receive Social Security benefits, including seniors, children and people with disabilities. Many of these beneficiaries rely heavily on these benefits, so any disruption or errors in payments or other service delays could cause a lot of problems for beneficiaries.
Advocacy groups are urging concerned Americans to contact their members of Congress and demand protections for the program.
With that said, here’s how you can best maneuver the SSA as they downsize.
USE SSA.GOV
Most Social Security business today can be conducted online. To get started, just go to SSA.gov/onlineservices where you can create a personal online “my Social Security” account so you can view your latest statement and earnings history, apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and much more.
Their website also has a wealth of information to answer most of your Social Security questions without having to speak with a representative. For answers to your Social Security questions see their frequently asked questions page at SSA.gov/faqs.
PHONE ASSISTANCE
If you can’t conduct your Social Security business online or you need some extra help, you can also get phone assistance by calling your nearby field office or by calling the SSA national number at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
This number has many automated service options you can use without waiting, but if you do need to speak to a representative, wait times are typically shorter early in the morning (between 8 and 10am) or later in the afternoon (between 4 and 7pm). You may also experience shorter wait times later in the week (Wednesday to Friday) and later in the month.
If you need to visit your nearby SSA office, you’ll need to call and make an appointment first as walk-in appointments are no longer accepted. To make an appointment call 800-772-1213 or contact your local SSA office.
BE PATIENCE
Also remember to practice patience and plan ahead. With all the SSA staff cuts, delays and longer wait time will be inevitable. And if you’re planning to start drawing your Social Security benefits in the near future, it’s best to apply as early as possible. You can apply for benefits up to four months before you expect to receive them. Applying as early as possible can help ensure they’re available when needed.