Washington, D.C., — Millions of Americans relying on Social Security benefits could face payment delays or disruptions this summer as the Social Security Administration (SSA) shifts focus to processing roughly 900,000 complex claims related to the recently enacted Social Security Fairness Act. This move, combined with ongoing staffing cuts, is creating a backlog that threatens to slow down routine updates like address changes and direct deposit corrections.
The SSA, which distributes monthly benefits to nearly 70 million retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors, has reprioritized its workload to expedite payments for public servants such as teachers, firefighters, and postal workers now eligible for retroactive and increased benefits under the Fairness Act. While the agency has automated the processing of over 2.3 million simpler claims, the remaining cases require manual review, significantly increasing processing times.
Current and former SSA employees have warned USA TODAY and Newsweek that this shift means that simpler service requests — including Medicaid billing adjustments and updates to payment information — may take longer than usual or even stall temporarily. “These delays could be the difference between receiving your check or not,” said a financial expert familiar with the agency’s challenges.
Adding to the strain, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established under the current administration, has reduced SSA staffing by approximately 12%, offering buyouts to veteran employees. Those remaining are being asked to work overtime, including weekends, to manage the backlog ahead of a July 1 deadline to complete Fairness Act claims.
White House officials emphasize that these efforts are critical to swiftly deliver owed benefits and maintain service quality. “SSA has already expedited over $15 billion in retroactive payments,” said spokesperson Liz Huston. “Leadership is committed to resolving these cases efficiently without letting other services fall through the cracks.”
However, beneficiaries making routine updates should prepare for longer wait times and plan accordingly. Experts advise starting any necessary changes early and remaining patient as the agency navigates this unprecedented workload.
For ongoing updates and help with Social Security matters, beneficiaries can visit the SSA’s official website or contact their local SSA office.