US Social Security Field Offices Face Staffing Crisis Amid Federal Cost-Cutting

Over 30% of Social Security field offices across the US have lost more than 10% of their staff between March 2024 and March 2025. The reductions stem from the TRUMP administration's directive to cut 7,000 positions—12% of the agency's workforce—by fiscal year 2025 under the guise of prioritizing customer service.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) facilitated buyouts for 2,500 employees, 80% of whom worked in field offices. These cuts have created tangible service delays, forcing beneficiaries to endure longer wait times for benefit applications, ID replacements, and basic inquiries.

Advocacy group Strategic Organizing Center warns the staffing hemorrhage undermines the system's ability to serve vulnerable populations. The paradox of claiming improved service while slashing frontline workers echoes broader tensions in federal austerity measures.