Trump’s dangerous cuts stand to make Social Security Administration (SSA) offices across the nation a hotspot for millions of Social Security beneficiaries hoping to receive the benefits they’ve earned.
After running on a promise to leave Social Security alone, almost instantly after assuming power Trump abandoned that promise and betrayed people with disabilities and aging Americans.
Earlier this week the Trump administration announced plans to end the option for people to verify their identity to the SSA by phone and force elderly and disabled Americans — many of them living in rural areas — to use hard-to-navigate online tools or physically travel to a local office, putting a major strain on beneficiaries and the remaining agency staff forced to do more with less. If you’re a senior, you could be forced to drive multiple hours each way to reach your closest SSA field office
The betrayal goes even deeper for people in states where Trump plans to close Social Security offices. More than three dozen offices across the nation will close starting next month.
New reporting shows a potential crisis brewing after Trump froze the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program for people granted work authorization and newly naturalized citizens. The SSA hasn’t informed people with new or pending applications of the freeze, meaning thousands of people expecting their Social Security cards in the mail soon will need to visit an SSA office to complete the process. It is unknown how long the freeze will be in place or if it will ever be lifted.
Taken altogether, Trump is set to turn SSA offices nationwide into some of the hottest clubs around, complete with long lines, long processing times, and restless crowds delayed from accessing the benefits they’ve earned.
“Trump is turning Social Security offices into a miserable nightclub where no one wants a stamp for re-entry. If you love endless lines, poor customer service, and the thrill of not knowing if you’ll ever get your benefits then the remaining SSA offices across the country that Trump hasn’t closed yet will be the spot for you this year,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Brandon Weathersby. “Seniors and people with disabilities simply want to receive the funds they are owed. Trump and the GOP don’t care at all about the chaos they’re creating or the uncertainty they’re introducing to Trump’s already fragile economy. Americans want the system to work the way it is supposed to, they aren’t looking for a VIP experience – which is good because we don’t think Trump will provide bottle service at Club SSA.”
Published: Mar 20, 2025 | Last Modified: Apr 4, 2025