Social Security is a financial lifeline for millions of Americans. In simple terms, many Americans rely on these benefits to cover food, housing and utilities. However, a new study shows recent changes within the Social Security Administration (SSA) were making it more difficult for people to access benefits.
Why It Matters
A study was conducted and researchers found that the lowest earning Americans are facing extreme financial pressure as a result of the complicated, understaffed and difficult systems. The impact goes far beyond paperwork delays. Families are reporting higher risks of homelessness, hunger, and even suicidal thoughts as they try to survive without the support they need.
A System Under Strain
The SSA handles retirement and disability benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI benefits are for people who are poor, elderly or have a disability and are unable to work. For many, these payments are the only money they receive.
But in recent years, the agency has faced major changes:
- As a result of staff cuts, there are fewer employees left in field offices to process claims.
- New phone systems have left callers frustrated as they have reported longer wait times.
- Policy changes have made the application processes more complicated.
The goal of these changes, many of which started under the Trump administration, was to increase efficiency. Rather, they have made the process slower and put more obstacles in the way of candidates.
The Human Cost
These aren’t just numbers; this is people who are trying to survive. Beneficiaries have:
- Waited months for their cases to be reviewed while falling deeper into debt.
- Lost their homes as a result of a delayed payment and they couldn’t pay rent on time.
- Skipped meals or relied on food banks while waiting for SSI checks to resume.
Calls for Change
Advocacy groups and experts are urging the government to act quickly. Some of the suggestions include:
- The SSA needs to hire more staff to process delayed benefits and deal with the growing number of concerns.
- Improving communication so beneficiaries understand why their benefits are delayed or denied.
- Make the application/appeals process easier so people can get help faster when something goes wrong.
- Ensure that benefits are protected so those who need it the most have access to it especially for food and housing.
Additionally, lawmakers from both sides are starting to demand hearings and evaluations of the SSA’s case management practices, especially with regard to low-income Americans.
A Growing Crisis
For those retirees who have other savings, the delay can be manageable. However, there are still people who rely on these benefits and sometimes a missed payment could lead to eviction, hunger or even not having medicine.
People rely on Social Security as a safety net, and it is important the SSA takes the necessary measure to ensure that recipients have access to the benefits which are due to them.
Looking Ahead
The SSA has acknowledged that there are challenges and have made it clear that they are working on ways to improve the system. However, the study still shows that major changes need to be implemented to improve the system.
The purpose of Social Security was to offer financial assistance, which eventually allows for peace of mind. Many Americans currently feel neither. Until changes are implemented, the system will continue to be a source of anxiety and uncertainty for those who most need it, in addition to being a lifeline.
Beneficiaries are urged to keep updated and if need be, consult with a financial advisor for assistance when making financial decisions.