As reports about layoffs within the Social Security Administration swirl, questions are being raised about what this could mean about future benefits. Ahead of the last payment of the month, here’s what to know.
In February, the SSA announced that “significant workforce reductions” were on the way as the agency faced a major restructuring,
Once source told the Associated Press that same month that at least 7,000 people could lose their jobs. Another source said up to 50% of the 60,000-member workforce could be cut. But the SSA said the “rumor of a 50% reduction is false,” according to USA Today.
It is unclear how this could impact future of the agency, which provides benefits to over 72.5 million people in the United States each month.
The SSA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Sen. Ron Wyden expressed concern the same day as the SSA’s February announcement.
“Firing half of all Social Security workers will guarantee that seniors will stop seeing their earned benefits arrive on time and in full,” Wyden said, per USA Today. “A plan like this will result in field office closures that will hit seniors in rural communities the hardest.”
Americans are already feeling the impact of the cost-cutting measures, which is linked to the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The Washington Post reported on Tuesday, March 25, that the agency’s website crashed four times within a 10-day span this month, preventing people from logging into their accounts, while some people have reported being on hold for up to five hours.
Most recently, SSA acting commissioner Lee Dudek – who said he would not be “shutting down the agency” – vowed to increase transparency and accountability within the agency, including when it comes to lease terminations and “voluntary opportunities to depart the agency.”
Social Security payments replace a percentage of an individuals’ pre-retirement income based on their lifetime earnings. Payments are made on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of each month based on an individual’s birth date. The last payment of the month is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26.
As of 2025, retired workers receive an average of $1,976 per month from the SSA. Workers with a disability receive an average of $1,580 per month.
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Most people who received the checks are retired. But many other people receive benefits as well, including those with a “qualifying disability,” current and former spouses or children of someone eligible for benefits or a worker who died and dependent parents of a worker who died.
For every dollar that goes to the SSA, less than a penny is spent “to manage all the programs,” according to the administration.
As for how to cope with diminished staffing, experts have suggested applying for benefits as early as possible and seeking assistance from experts when needed.
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