Over 70 million people rely on Social Security to meet their basic needs, yet the current Administration is gutting the agency. Recent changes negatively impact older adults and their ability to access critical benefits. With the Senate holding a confirmation hearing on March 25 on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for SSA Commissioner, now is the time to tell your Senators to fight back against the dismantling of Social Security.  

Despite historically low staffing levels and funding, SSA is slashing its workforce by an additional 12%--or 7,000 employees–straining the agency’s ability to provide essential services. The agency has also reduced the number of regional offices, which handle more complex cases, from 10 to 4, and has initiated multiple field office closures around the country, making it more difficult for the public to get in-person services and jeopardizing access to their Social Security and Medicare benefits.  

At the same time, the agency just announced that it is imposing a new identity verification system for people filing claims for benefits. While SSA already has reliable verification systems in place, this new process will require individuals with limited internet access, disproportionately older adults and people with disabilities, to go to already understaffed field offices to verify their identity in person before their claim will be processed.

With some offices closing, some people will have to travel even farther to get to an office. These new barriers mean that the people most in need will have the greatest difficulty obtaining their benefits. 

In the midst of these changes, the confirmation hearing for SSA Commissioner is more important than ever. If confirmed, Mr. Bisignano will be responsible for shaping SSA’s future and the public’s ability to receive benefits.

Use the information in our fact sheet when you contact your Senators to demand that they protect Social Security and ensure that the next Commissioner upholds the agency’s mission to serve the millions of people who rely on Social Security to pay their rent, buy food, medicine, and pay for health care and other necessities.