The impact on Social Security is substantial. Social Security’s service quality is subpar as a result of budget cuts and a growth in beneficiaries, especially when the sheer volume of dependents is taken into account.
In the first House SSA hearing in a decade, Administration Chief Martin O. Malley affirmed that, in the 89-year history of Social Security, customer service is at its lowest ebb.
At least 30,000 people lost their lives in 2023 while awaiting their disability hearings, according to testimony given by Social Security Commissioner Martin O. Malley to the House Appropriations Committee on November 20. For years, he and numerous others have warned about this financial issue.
No progress has been achieved by the Social Security Administration to increase funding for modernizing technology and restore cash for staffing since Commissioner O. Malley quit to run for chair of the Democratic National Convention.
The budget has been decreased several times in addition to not being raised. The Social Security Administration’s $500 million budget cut in July was the most recent.
The largest budget cuts in the House Appropriations Committee’s history were recently implemented. As a result, more individuals than ever before are applying for Social Security, and fewer people are working. It is awful news for everyone when beneficiaries pass away without getting the assistance they are entitled to.
Commissioner O. Malley stated, “We cannot watch helplessly as this agency craters.” Americans have dedicated their entire lives to ensuring that Social Security will provide for their needs.
Just 0.3% of Social Security’s $2.7 trillion in reserves are available for administrative expenses. This suggests that 75% of the available cash are used for staffing. Since it is not enough to maintain the agency, Commissioner O. Malley has asked the committee to raise the available amount to 1.2%.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., asserts that SSA budget cuts that do not contribute to reducing the deficit are equivalent to reducing Social Security benefits. “What good are benefits if you can’t get through on the phone to access them?” asks Commissioner O. Malley sarcastically.
Since the SSA allows employees to work from home two days a week, Republican lawmakers were once again opposed to restoring the staffing budget to a reasonable amount.
Commissioner O Malley defended his staff to MPs, pointing out that some claimants now preferred to meet over the phone and that work had increased by 6%.
The Center on Capital and Social Equity’s Karl Polzer estimates that the trust fund for Social Security will deplete in 2035. One significant issue is that the agency has warned Congress that failure to act will result in a 20% reduction in benefits.
Social Security used to collect more money than it disbursed. Since 2021, more money has been spent than coming in.
The future of Social Security
In contrast to the current average of 243 days, the organization has established a new goal of 215 days of wait time. However, the 14-month wait time for a disability evaluation in Georgia suggests that more needs to be done.
Commissioner O Malley requested a $5 billion one-time expenditure to update the systems for the future. In order to avoid staff reductions brought on by attrition, Commissioner O. Malley also suggested an additional $600 million per year for fixed costs.
One of my main concerns about leaving this organization on Friday is that outdated IT systems may either fail entirely or be shut down by malicious individuals, he stated.
He begged the House Appropriations Committee to give their constituents back the money that was rejected. I am aware that you have heard their calls and cries.
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