FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Contact: Linda Benesch, lbenesc
Massive Cuts at the Social Security Administration Would Deny Americans Access to Their Earned Benefits
(Washington, DC) — The following is a statement from Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works, on reports that the Trump Administration is considering firing half the Social Security Administration’s workforce:
“The Social Security Administration is already chronically understaffed. Now, the Trump Administration wants to demolish it.
Contrary to what Elon Musk and his acolytes may believe, AI chatbots are no substitute for in-person service from a human being. Americans apply for Social Security benefits at the most vulnerable times of their lives. Moreover, many people who seek information may have trouble articulating or even knowing what questions they need to ask.
If Musk’s plan goes through, it will deny many Americans access to their hard-earned Social Security benefits. Field offices around the country will close. Wait times for the 1-800 number will soar.
DOGE claims to be concerned about fraud, but the best way to detect fraud is through face-to-face contacts with humans who can detect suspicious responses and can read body language.
It’s not too late to stop this disaster. We urge everyone to call their members of Congress and tell them that local Social Security offices must stay open and fully staffed.”
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