The SSA is tightening its belt by cutting or delaying $800 million in spending this year.
That won’t actually reduce your check amount from Social Security, but it will make it progressively harder to get benefits when they’re due, thanks to office closings, employee reductions, and slowing processing times.
What’s Changing?
- The SSA is cutting over 12% of its workforce and closing 47 local offices.
- It has imposed hiring freezes and terminations of contracts.
- More paperwork is being moved online, perhaps delaying those who are not as technologically savvy.
- Hold times at call centers, currently averaging 40 minutes, may lengthen further.
How This Affects You
While your monthly check isn’t shrinking, these cuts could create real headaches:
- Longer Wait Times: Whether you’re applying for benefits, appealing a decision, or trying to correct an error in your application, longer wait times than before will be experienced because fewer employees are processing requests.
- Delays in Payments: One may also have to experience processing delays that might leave them without payments when trying to apply for their enrollment into Social Security or disability benefits.
- Harder-to-Fix Errors: Overpayment issues could become more frustrating, with fewer representatives available to help correct mistakes or set up repayment plans.
- Disruptions for Seniors: For the 12-15% of seniors relying on Social Security for 90% or more of their income, even one missed check can mean unpaid bills or financial hardship.
A Growing Crisis?
Experts warn, however, that the system could collapse under such pressure if cuts were to continue unabated. Martin O’Malley, former commissioner of Social Security, projects that beneficiaries may see major disruptions within 30 to 90 days.
What You Can Do
- Plan for Delays: If you’re applying for benefits soon, start early because approvals may come more slowly.
- Use Online Tools: The SSA website offers limited self-service that may get you what you need more quickly than calling.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on other government decisions that could impact the services of Social Security.
Your Social Security check isn’t going anywhere, but getting help when you need it just might take a whole lot longer. With the SSA being stretched thin, planning ahead is now more important than ever.
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