Social Security Warning Issued by Senator as Agency Pushe...

By Suzanne Blake

Reporter, Consumer & Social Trends

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Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has issued a warning over Social Security Administration (SSA) efforts to reduce field office visits in 2026.

The SSA has said it aims to halve the number of people who go to field offices in the next year. On average, more than 31 million people visit the offices yearly and the agency's goal is to slash that figure to 15 million.

Why It Matters

Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano is looking to boost efficiency across the SSA with added technology but has said the agency is not “getting rid of field offices.”

But Warren’s concerns highlight growing criticism that the changes at the SSA could stir up problems for many beneficiaries who rely on the monthly payments to live.

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What To Know

The SSA’s push to minimize field office visits is part of an effort to offer more online self-service options where recipients are able to view their claim status or access their Social Security number digitally.

Staffing across SSA offices is down by 2,000 people nationwide, according to the AARP, and the agency moved 1,000 field office employees to its national phone team in July.

“The Social Security Administration is prioritizing technology to serve the next generation of users — Gen X and younger baby boomers — who are generally more comfortable with online systems,” Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “While this digital shift could streamline services over time, it may unintentionally disadvantage older or rural Americans who still depend on in-person assistance. The brutal reality, this effort may help efficiency but risks alienating the very communities that it's supposed to serve.”

Warren denounced the staff reductions and field office limitations on X, echoing many other Americans’ concerns.

“This sure sounds like another way to make it even harder for Americans to get the benefits they've earned,” Warren wrote. “I will not stop fighting to protect Social Security.”

Newsweek reached out to the SSA for comment.

"It is disappointing yet unsurprising that the fake news media is eager to ignore the truth to scare seniors. The truth is simple: field offices are, and will always remain, our front-line, serving the approximately 75 million Americans who receive monthly payments and more than 330 million Americans with Social Security numbers,” an SSA spokesperson told Newsweek.

“The Social Security Administration under President [Donald] Trump's leadership is serving more Americans than ever before at quicker speeds, and more customers are choosing to resolve their needs online or over the phone… Commissioner Bisignano has pledged to have the right level of staffing to operate at peak efficiency and deliver best-in-class customer service to the American people."

What People Are Saying

Thompson, also to Newsweek: “Senator Warren argues that reduced staffing at Social Security offices has led to fewer in-person visits and diminished outreach, ultimately hurting beneficiaries who rely on personal assistance. I partially agree that cutting staff for a population that often depends on face-to-face guidance can be harmful. However, some growing pains are inevitable as the system transitions toward more modern solutions.”

Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, to Newsweek: “There's been a back-and-forth on access to assistance with Social Security since the beginning of this year. The administration has touted many of their moves as being toward administrative cost reduction and efficiency, leaning more heavily into their online presence. Reports of fewer employees at some offices being able to help beneficiaries who prefer over-the-phone or in-person services, however, has concerned some representatives and led to calls for investigation.”

What Happens Next

While some beneficiaries will likely enjoy the added flexibility of online services, those who are less technologically savvy and prefer in-person communication could struggle, experts say.

“Ultimately, the push to more questions and concerns being answered online is a logistically smart one to make use of modern technology and over time save taxpayer money,” Beene said. “At the same time, though, beneficiaries who aren't as digital literate need options for assistance. How to best meet both of those needs is the challenge faced.”

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