Summary
Staffing at the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decreased significantly, affecting services nationwide. This reduction in staffing has led to longer wait times and increased workloads for remaining employees, impacting many Americans who depend on SSA for benefits and assistance. The Strategic Organizing Center highlighted these issues, noting that staffing levels continued to fall during President Trump's second term.
Key Facts
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reduced staff levels, affecting services like benefit applications and claims processing.
- Over the past year, there was a 9 percent reduction in SSA staff from March 2024 to August 2025.
- The decrease in staff impacted over 80 percent of congressional districts, with 45 districts experiencing reductions of at least 20 percent.
- A hiring freeze remains in place, which could further reduce current staffing levels.
- The number of beneficiaries per SSA field office worker increased to nearly 4,000, a 12 percent rise.
- Eight states have an even larger imbalance, with more than 5,000 beneficiaries per field office worker.
- The cuts have impacted 47 states, three U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
