Since 2010, the number of Social Security beneficiaries has gone up more than 20%, but the budget for processing social security claims hasn’t kept up. In fact, it has gone down 14%, causing backlogs and delays in the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s ability to respond to families and individuals seeking Social Security benefits.
In order to improve customer service and reduce delays, a group of lawmakers are pushing for more funding for the cash-strapped agency next year. The current continuing resolution funds SSA at the current levels until Dec. 16.
“As President Biden has indicated, SSA needs a total increase of $800 million for fiscal year 2023 just to maintain services, and significantly more to make much-needed improvements,” said the lawmakers in a letter to House appropriators. “As you work to complete the fiscal year 2023 appropriations process, we urge you to support the highest amount possible for SSA’s operating budget, to improve customer service and reduce excessive, harmful delays for Americans trying to access their benefits.”
So far, 66 lawmakers have signed on to the letter initiated by Reps. John B. Larson, Danny K. Davis, Susan Wild, Jan Schakowsky, and Doris Matsui.
AFGE supports more funding for SSA and urges members of Congress to fund the agency at the level it needs to support its important work.