Retirement Social Security

U.S. Representative Pushing New Bill That Would Bring Back Thousands of SSA Jobs

Social Security is facing a customer service crisis. A new proposal might help that.

By Maurie Backman , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated April 13, 2026

Add Us On Google

For many older Americans, Social Security benefits are the cornerstone of a stress-free retirement. But recent staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration (SSA) have created a customer service crisis that's hurting current and prospective beneficiaries.

Over the past year, the Trump administration has reduced the SSA's workforce by more than 7,000 employees. As a result, people of all ages now face long waits to access retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits. On average, there's currently only one SSA field office representative for nearly every 4,0000 beneficiaries — a ratio that's 12% higher than it was prior to recent staffing cuts.

A new bill, however, is seeking to restore thousands of jobs to the SSA, and it couldn't come soon enough.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

A home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

New bill seeks to bring back thousands of SSA jobs

Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens has introduced new legislation to restore SSA staffing levels to what they were prior to the Trump administration. Dubbed the Social Security Customer Service Act, the purpose of the bill is to reverse recent staffing cuts and restore reliable service for beneficiaries.

If passed, the Social Security Customer Service Act will require at least 75% of new SSA hires to serve in customer service roles. The remaining 25% will be allocated to critical support and management positions that serve Social Security beneficiaries directly. The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Trump administration defends SSA staffing policies

Despite major staffing cuts at the SSA, the Trump administration has stood firm that its actions have ultimately been positive.

In an August 2025 press release commemorating the SSA's 90th anniversary, Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said, "As we honor this legacy, we are also building a future where service is faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever before. Through President Trump's vision, we are protecting and preserving Social Security by delivering extraordinary customer service through technological improvements and enhanced process engineering."

In December of 2025, the SSA's Office of the Inspector General confirmed that the agency's overall phone service improved during fiscal year 2025. The report also stated that the improvements were brought about by "technology enhancements and strategic staffing decisions."

At the same time, though, a March 2026 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that staffing cuts at the SSA are, indeed, hurting the public.

The report said that thousands of SSA staffers were pulled out of key roles, including more than 1,100 IT workers who maintain the systems needed to process benefit applications and keep data safe. It also found that there's been a 27% increase in the backlog of disability claim appeals in the past year.

Worse yet, the SSA has scaled back its reporting metrics, such as average wait times to speak to an agent or how long applicants have to wait for an in-person appointment. This lack of transparency makes it easier for the SSA to defend and maintain staffing cuts, but it could ultimately harm beneficiaries.

Staffing cuts compound existing Social Security woes

The fact that the SSA has slashed headcount isn't the only problem plaguing the agency right now. Social Security is also facing a major funding shortfall that could result in sweeping benefit cuts in the coming years.

The Congressional Budget Office recently reported that Social Security's Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, from which retirement benefits are paid, will be depleted by 2032. From there, Social Security may have no choice but to cut benefits for seniors.

If that happens, recipients will no doubt have many questions and concerns they'll want addressed. Restoring jobs at the SSA may therefore be especially important in the coming years if lawmakers don't find a solution that prevents those cuts from happening.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

A tough road head

Restoring headcount to the SSA could be crucial at a time when baby boomers are expected to retire in droves. Unfortunately, though, the Social Security Customer Service Act faces an uphill battle in a Republican-led Congress.

Stevens isn't losing hope, though. If anything, she may try to push the legislation forward as part of a year-end government funding package.

Bottom line

Millions of seniors today rely on Social Security, and those monthly benefits are a crucial part of their financial plans. Restoring staff to the SSA could make it easier for future recipients to access those benefits when they need them.

That said, as of now, the SSA's reduced headcount seems to be here to stay. If you're planning to claim Social Security benefits in the near future, make sure to plan ahead. Give yourself extra time to file, and expect long wait times to speak to customer service or schedule an in-person appointment.

You may find that the easiest path to claiming benefits is creating an account at SSA.gov and filing online. Once you create an account, you'll also be able to access your earnings record and look up other key information that may be helpful in the course of your retirement planning.

More from FinanceBuzz: