Around 7,000 Social Security Administration workers have been laid off so far this year following the Trump administration’s decision to reduce in-person beneficiary services at offices and focus on electronic service. But the problem does not seem to end there, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced an internal operational plan aimed at cutting in-person visits to its local offices by half by fiscal year 2026. This initiative is being driven by the Trump administration, with the goal of modernizing and optimizing Social Security work.
According to the agency’s spokesperson, Barton Mackey, a larger number of Americans are being served at a much faster rate. The union leader of 30,000 SSA workers through the AFGE, Jessica LaPointe, expresses the concern of Social Security staff, as this new measure will involve more staff layoffs and the closure of physical offices, as has happened in rural areas of the United States. Despite this news, the Social Security payment schedule for the month of December will not undergo any changes.
Modernization of the SSA?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced its new internal operational plan through which it intends to cut in half the in-person visits of beneficiaries to local offices by fiscal year 2026. This measure responds to its goal of modernizing and optimizing work and has been promoted by the Trump administration. It has also been the president’s responsibility to dismiss around 7,000 Social Security workers in the year 2025 so far, with the aim of reducing in-person service and replacing it with phone or online service. Despite this new plan, an SSA spokesperson stated that local offices “will always be our first line” of service.
The SSA’s goal is to reduce public visits to no more than 15 million, compared to the more than 31.6 million currently taking place. According to Barton Mackey, spokesperson for the SSA, the agency, under President Trump’s leadership, is “serving more Americans than ever before at a faster pace” and is “reaching clients where they want to be served.” The agency’s operational plan aims to improve technology and modernize public service, directing most inquiries to phone or online assistance. In addition, it also aims to reduce appointment response times, requiring that all requested appointments be scheduled within 30 days, improving the current rate of 78.3%.
Concern among workers
With the existing figures of Social Security worker layoffs so far in 2025, this new announcement has sparked strong opposition and fear of the consequences. According to the union leader of 30,000 SSA workers through the AFGE, Jessica LaPointe, “allowing AI and the Internet to replace a well-trained and well-experienced workforce.” Workers are concerned that physical office closures will continue to occur, as has happened in several rural areas of the country.
Does this affect the SSA payment schedule?
Not at all. The Social Security payment schedule will continue as usual without any interruptions, following its payment method based on the beneficiary’s birth date:
- December 10: Born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- December 17: Born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
- December 24: Born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
Frequently asked questions
How many SSA worker layoffs have there been so far this year?
It is estimated that around 7,000 SSA workers have been laid off.
What is the objective of the SSA’s internal operational plan?
According to the plan, the goal is to modernize and optimize work , and it has been promoted by the Trump administration.