Rep. Stevens Introduces Social Security Customer Service Act to Restore Service and Protect Earned Benefits
Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Haley Stevens introduced the Social Security Customer Service Act, legislation to reverse staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and restore reliable service for Americans. In the first five months of the current Trump Administration, more than 7,000 SSA workers were forced out—the largest staffing cut in the agency’s history. The result: a beneficiary-to-staff ratio of 1,480 to one, compared to 480 to one in 1967.
These cuts are already hitting Americans hard—longer wait times, system outages, understaffed field offices, and delayed benefits. For millions who rely on Social Security, that means real uncertainty.
“Families across Michigan rely on Social Security to pay the bills and plan for retirement,” said Rep. Stevens. “They earned these benefits over their lifetimes, and they deserve to access them without delays, dropped calls, or broken systems. This bill is about restoring basic service and making government work for people again.”
The Social Security Customer Service Act would:
- Restore SSA staffing to end-of-Biden Administration levels
- Require at least 75% of new hires to serve in customer service roles
- Direct the remaining 25% to critical support and management positions that directly serve beneficiaries.
By prioritizing customer-facing staff, the bill targets resources where they’re needed most, helping Michiganders access benefits quickly and reliably.
The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).
“AFGE strongly supports Rep. Haley Stevens’ legislation to restore Social Security Administration staffing levels so the agency can properly serve the millions of Americans who rely on their earned benefits,” said AFGE National President Everett B. Kelley. “We thank Rep. Stevens for her leadership in standing up for the federal workforce and helping ensure SSA has the frontline staff needed to deliver timely service to seniors, people with disabilities, and families.”
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