SSA aims to halve field office visits in 2026
The Social Security Administration plans to reduce in‑person field office visits by 50% in FY2026 — capping them at about 15 million — according to a November internal operating plan shared with the AP, citing rising use of online and phone services. A spokesperson said offices remain front‑line service points, but unions warn the target, recent rural closures, and at least 7,000 layoffs this year could limit access for people who cannot navigate digital systems; the plan also sets a new goal to schedule all requested appointments within 30 days.
📌 Key Facts
- Target: ≤15 million field office visits in FY2026 vs 31.6 million in FY2025 (−50%).
- SSA cites growing online/phone use; unions warn of access issues for those unable to use login.gov and other tools.
- At least 7,000 SSA workers laid off in 2025 amid broader streamlining plans.
- New service metric: all requested appointments to be scheduled within 30 days (current: 78.3% meet that mark).
- Some rural field offices have already closed or are phone‑only due to staffing shortages.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2024, 55% of adult Social Security beneficiaries were women, and the average age of disabled-worker beneficiaries was 56, with 84% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients aged 18-64 being disabled.
Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2025 — Social Security Administration
Approximately 78% of U.S. adults subscribe to broadband internet at home as of 2025, but home broadband adoption is 83% among White adults compared to 73% among Black and Hispanic adults, with Whites comprising about 60% of the U.S. population, Blacks 13%, and Hispanics 19%.
Internet, Broadband Fact Sheet — Pew Research Center
In 2024, 90% of people aged 65 years and older were internet users, compared to near-universal usage among younger age groups, with adults aged 65+ making up about 18% of the U.S. population.
United States internet usage demographics by age group — Statista
Rural adults are less likely than suburban and urban adults to have home broadband, with rural areas showing lower internet access rates, and rural residents comprising about 19% of the U.S. population.
Digital Divide — Pew Research Center
As of September 2025, there were 57,931,000 Social Security beneficiaries aged 65 or older out of a total of 74,656,000 beneficiaries.
Monthly Statistical Snapshot, September 2025 — Social Security Administration