THE Social Security Administration (SSA) has worked hard to ensure that its beneficiaries receive the best possible attention, but its efforts may soon be thwarted by Congress, like House Republicans refused to increase the funding needed to ASS in the continuing resolution adopted in September.

That refusal forced the agency to freeze hiring last month, plunging the agency into the worst staffing crisis in 50 years, with a record number of beneficiaries to serve. This will lead to increased wait times on the phone or online trying to resolve issues, which could lead to many problems in the long run.

THE ASS issued a statement addressing the question “If ASS does not receive an increase in appropriations until March, more than 2,000 additional employees will be lost to attrition over the next three months, including experienced staff. Customer service will decrease as wait times at our field offices and on the 800 number increase, backlogs will increase, and customers will experience further delays while waiting for their complaints to be processed.

THE Administration, who was doing well under the leadership of the former Commissioner Martin O’Malley has made valiant efforts to make do with the existing budget, but the situation is untenable, especially if there are further cuts. Inasmuch as ASS spokesperson established: “As part of the Continuous resolution (which did not include the Administration requested anomaly) the Social Security Administration was forced to introduce a hiring freeze on November 21. Much of the gains we have made will be lost if funding remains fixed.

And the ASS is not the only agency to suffer these reductions negatively, the IRS and the Federal Aviation Administration, both key players have also begun their countdown to freezing their hiring due to lack of allocated funds.

The impact of lack of funding on Social Security

If the funding crisis is not averted, agency workers would likely face up to 10 furlough days, closing offices and reducing service levels. THE ASS The spokesperson continued: “This means our field offices, card centers and national 800 number would have reduced service levels and further delay the critical services the public depends on. »

But it is not only ASS the employees concerned, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee also issued a warning about the program’s lack of funding and its impact on beneficiaries. Senate Appropriations Bill provided a bump. THE House Appropriations Bill cut them a little. It would be terrible if they had to furlough staff. We should not reduce the Social Security Budget. It just makes it harder for Americans to get their benefits. This means that customer service drops significantly. I don’t know why anyone would support this.

The funding shortfall, which would be $401 million below its fiscal 2024 operating level and $1.6 billion below That of President Biden request for an increase in funds, would paralyze services, but Republicans doesn’t seem to care much.

They argue that Biden’s request is “unsustainable and could lead to significant reductions in other non-defense discretionary areas.” A Republican senator blamed the problem on agency employees working from home, refusing to hear any other reason. He is not alone, very much House Republicans point out that only 39 percent of ASS Washington officials report to the office at least three days a week.

A Republican aid said, “They have the resources and should responsibly use the increase they have already been given,” but it may not be that simple.

Like the Asset The transition team and congressional Republicans are advancing plans for a new “Ministry of Government Effectiveness,” led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the initiative aims to streamline federal operations, with Musk proposing $2 trillion in budget cuts. The two men held initial meetings with Republicans on Capitol Hill to discuss their vision.