Recent changes from the Social Security Administration (SSA) have ignited concerns over how Social Security payments may be impacted for current beneficiaries and new applicants.
If you or a loved one depends on Social Security benefits and are concerned about potential disruptions, rest assured— Attorney Larry Disparti has got your back. As Chicago’s leading disability law firm, our team at the Disparti Law Group remains dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the benefits that are rightfully yours.
Overview: 7,000 Potential Social Security Staff Cuts
On February 28, the SSA announced that it aims to cut 7,000 jobs, reducing its workforce from roughly 57,000 to 50,000 as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative.
Previous reports claimed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), following Donald Trump’s directive to downsize federal agencies, may seek to slash SSA’s workforce even further, potentially by half. However, the agency recently confirmed that these reports were “false”.
Nevertheless, the recent cuts are significant considering the SSA already has an extensive backlog when processing applications. Former Social Security commissioner Martin O’Malley warned that social security payments may be interrupted within 30 days.
How will Social Security cuts affect me?
New applicants may feel the brunt of the impact as new claims often require manual processing. This is especially true for older applicants who are more likely to send their applications via mail rather than submitting them electronically.
How to Prepare for Possible Social Security Payment Disruptions
Understandably, many beneficiaries are concerned about losing a significant stream of income and their ability to pay for their basic needs. Here are a few ways you can prepare for possible Social Security payment disruptions if you or a loved one is impacted.
1) Save What You Can
Experts encourage Social Security beneficiaries to consider saving just in case. Until the changes level out, it may be worth it to re-evaluate a budget and save what you can. Consider other types of assistance if you haven’t already, such as SNAPS and other food assistance programs.
2) Stay Informed
Keep on top of the news and stay informed of any additional changes coming from the DOGE regarding Social Security that might affect your benefits.
3) Maintain Detailed Records
Be sure to keep track of all your appointments and medical records. Both new applicants and current beneficiaries should keep copies of any documents submitted in the application wherever possible.
4) Never Miss an Appointment
If you have a hearing or an appointment with the SSA such as an independent medical exam (IME), do everything possible not to miss it. Missing an appointment or hearing can cause significant delays in processing your Social Security payments.
5) Contact an Attorney
If you haven’t already, find an attorney you can trust who is an expert in Social Security and can handle any possible curveballs coming from the SSA. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the system, and fight to protect the benefits you rely on.
What Are Other Recent Changes to Social Security Payments?
Social Security has seen other changes beyond staff cuts recently. At the start of the year, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPA), two programs that reduced Social Security benefits for over 3 million public sector retirees with a pension.
Beneficiaries who received lower payments due to WEP and GPA will likely see an increase in payments and may even be eligible to receive up to one year of retroactive payments.
Speak to a Social Security Attorney Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact a Social Security attorney at Disparti Law Group today to safeguard your payments and ensure you receive what you’re entitled to. Having an attorney for new applications can be especially valuable as a lawyer can ensure that the paperwork is filed properly, avoiding any further delays.
For a FREE case review, contact us today at (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say… Larry wins!
