Turns out more funding may not be the solution for better Social Security services.
For years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been struggling to provide the support that U.S. citizens need. The pandemic only added to this problem, creating a backlog of requests that are still being processed.
While some said that more funding for staffing and training was the answer, a new report states that despite a $785 million dollar budget boost, support services will continue to erode.
A Closer Look at the SSA’s Struggles
In such a massive bureaucracy, it’s natural that problems would arise. But the SSA’s shortcomings are putting people’s money and their health at risk.
Social Security services have been lacking to such a degree, that people have been waiting on the phone for days at a time. Some mistakes and oversights have caused people to have their benefits practically wiped out. Others have lost them altogether.
It’s not just seniors who need help, either. The SSA handles many matters related to identity information. This is a topic that can cause serious grief when errors are made. Some mistakes have seen people being incorrectly pronounced dead. There’s also the case of two people being issued the same Social Security number.
Social Security Services Have Improved Slightly
This isn’t to say that the SSA is completely inattentive to the needs of those who rely on it.
Some people who have lost their benefits have gotten them back. The organization has also looked for ways to improve. They’ve responded to feedback, and taken steps to protect those in need of help.
Some improvements have been made. But what about the countless people still in need of help? If this massive boost in funding won’t solve the SSA’s support issues, what will? More time? New hires? We want to hear your thoughts on what could make a difference.
If you need support in the meantime, try going online to the SSA’s new website. You can also find more news about Social Security services and support right here. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you never miss a post.
