Many businesses and organizations are struggling mightily with depleted staffing, and the Social Security Administration is no exception.
The federal agency lost 15% of its staff nationwide between fiscal years 2010 and 2021, but the problem is especially bad in a handful of states.
In those places, SSA offices have lost more than one-quarter of their staff members over the past 11 years, according to a recent analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
The center says the attrition is the result of budget-cutting on the part of Congress.
Staff reductions mean “fewer people to take appointments, answer phones, and process applications for Social Security’s vital retirement, survivors, and disability benefits,” the center says.
Following are four states where staff levels have fallen by more than 25%.
Alaska
State’s Social Security Administration (SSA) staff size:
- In the 2010 fiscal year: 76 employees
- In the 2021 fiscal year: 38 employees (a loss of 50% since 2010)
Although Alaska has lost SSA staff since 2010, the state’s Social Security disability determination staff actually increased by two people (9%) during the same 11-year period.
West Virginia
State’s Social Security Administration (SSA) staff size:
- In the 2010 fiscal year: 454 employees
- In the 2021 fiscal year: 303 employees (a loss of 33% since 2010)
West Virginia’s Social Security disability determination staff dropped by the same percentage as its SSA staff over the past 11 years — 33%.
Iowa
State’s Social Security Administration staff size:
- In the 2010 fiscal year: 343 employees
- In the 2021 fiscal year: 243 employees (a loss of 29% since 2010)
Iowa’s Social Security disability determination staff also fell during the period, by 20%.
Virginia
State’s Social Security Administration staff size:
- In the 2010 fiscal year: 2,193 employees
- In the 2021 fiscal year: 1,616 employees (a loss of 26% since 2010)
Virginia’s Social Security disability determination staff fell during the period as well, but by a mere 5%.
Getting help with Social Security
Fortunately, even if your state’s Social Security staffing is on the wane, you can still do many things online. To take full advantage of this feature, sign up for a Social Security account. To learn more, read “7 Perks of Having a Social Security Account Online.”
In addition, as we have noted in the past, Social Security representatives might not be the best source of information about the program in the first place. Check out:
You can also stop by Money Talks News’ Solutions Center and find expert, low-cost Social Security help.
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