The Social Security Administration plans to reduce visits to field offices by 50%. What it means to you
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration (SSA) aims to halve the number of visits to its field offices next year, a change that raises concerns about future office closures. Field offices have always been vital community hubs offering direct services like applying for retirement and disability benefits, and issuing Social Security cards.
An internal management plan from November indicates a goal to decrease field office visits by 50% in fiscal year 2026 compared to the previous year, targeting fewer than 15 million visits. In the last fiscal year, more than 31.6 million visits were recorded.
“Field offices are crucial, providing face-to-face services to around 75 million Americans receiving monthly payments and over 330 million with Social Security numbers,” stated SSA spokesperson Barton McKee.
McKee mentioned that under President Trump’s direction, the SSA is delivering services more rapidly and has improved technology, allowing more individuals to manage their benefits online or via phone.
The report on reducing foot traffic was first highlighted by Nextgov/FCW. Alongside this, over 7,000 SSA employees have been laid off this year as part of efforts to streamline operations.
Earlier this year, following public and legislative uproar, the SSA revised a plan requiring beneficiaries who can’t use the online portal to verify their identities in person at field offices. Jessica Lapointe, representing approximately 30,000 SSA workers through the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), argued that field offices are essential for those lacking access to technology, emphasizing that people should be able to walk in and receive assistance.
She expressed concerns that the SSA seems focused on replacing a skilled workforce with technology. Some rural offices have already closed due to staff shortages.
The SSA’s website lists various closures, stating that some offices are only accessible by phone for the moment. The agency has assured that these closures are temporary due to maintenance issues.
Chris Delaney, a claims expert and union president, expressed doubt about the feasibility of reducing foot traffic, particularly as his local office has seen an uptick in visitors, especially from an aging population reliant on SSA income.
“Many struggle with ID verification. Just having a smartphone doesn’t mean you can set up an online account. It’s critical to have support available in person when needed,” he explained.
The 2026 operational plan also includes a goal to have reservations scheduled within 30 days, an improvement from current scheduling that only achieves this about 78.3% of the time.
Social Security is among the largest social programs, and a recent poll indicated that many American adults feel the country is not spending enough on these services. The SSA is currently facing multiple lawsuits regarding the Trump administration’s reform plans.
A legal group, Democracy Forward, filed suit in October to compel the SSA to disclose public records concerning service changes. Lapointe criticized the administration for what she sees as a lack of genuine engagement with public concerns, especially following significant staff reductions.
