Social Security Update: Millions Waiting Longer for Claim Appointments
Summary
Millions of Social Security claimants are experiencing longer wait times to get appointments due to a loss of staff and agency changes. The Social Security Administration is shifting to more online services and centralized appointment scheduling, but this may create challenges for people who need in-person help.Key Facts
- Only 64.6% of initial Social Security claims were scheduled within 30 days as of July 6, down from 78.1% a year earlier.
- The agency lost about 7,800 employees, or 14% of its workforce, due to government staffing cuts.
- Social Security plans to reduce field office visits from 31.6 million in 2025 to 15 million in 2026 by encouraging online and phone service use.
- Centralized scheduling is being tested in Tennessee and Nevada, replacing local office appointment booking.
- SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano says new technology upgrades will save staff time equal to 2,500 full-time employees.
- The agency has hired 1,000 new workers and increased automation for Medicare claims processing.
- Staff shortages have caused some rural offices to close temporarily, increasing reliance on remote services.
- Some beneficiaries have trouble using online identity verification, creating barriers to accessing benefits.
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