1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a vital lifeline for millions of vulnerable Americans, including older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. The proposed workforce cuts of up to 50% and the closure of hundreds of local and regional SSA offices threaten to disrupt the timely delivery of retirement and disability benefits to over 72.5 million people. These actions will disproportionately impact those who are poor, disabled, have low literacy levels, or lack access to computers, creating significant barriers to accessing essential services. The SSA has an exemplary record of not missing a single benefit payment for over 80 years. However, former SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley has warned that these draconian measures could lead to a "total system collapse" and disruption of benefits within just 30 to 90 days. Such a catastrophic failure would be devastating for millions who rely on these payments for their basic needs. It is imperative to restore the SSA to its full working capacity by reversing the workforce cuts and reopening the closed offices. Any budget or spending bill that fails to address these critical issues must be rejected outright. The SSA is a vital component of the social safety net, and its continued functioning is essential for ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.