New lawsuit demands answers on Social Security changes and transparency
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If you've had trouble reaching someone at the Social Security Administration lately, you're not alone—and now, a new lawsuit is trying to get to the bottom of what’s happening.
Social Security is a crucial program for over 74 million Americans, offering benefits to retirees, people with disabilities, and families who rely on it to get by.
But recent internal changes at the SSA have sparked growing concerns about reduced services, delayed payments, and longer wait times.
Advocacy groups are now pushing for more transparency about what’s driving these changes—and what impact they’re having on people who need help.
A new legal effort may finally bring some long-awaited answers.
A legal challenge to open the books
The nonprofit group Democracy Forward has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Maryland, arguing that the SSA has failed to respond to multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
These requests aim to uncover internal communications, staffing data, service records, and other documents related to recent agency restructuring.
At the center of the inquiry is how the SSA's ongoing changes—particularly those linked to recent administrative leadership—may be affecting public access to benefits.
The group is seeking a wide range of materials, including memos, wait time data, meeting recordings, and metrics that were recently removed from public-facing tools like the SSA website.
Their goal is to better understand how decisions about staffing and customer service are influencing the experience of everyday Social Security recipients.
Also read: White House responds to Social Security change concerns
Staff reductions and service concerns
Since the beginning of the year, the SSA has seen notable reductions in its workforce.
According to Democracy Forward and reporting from advocacy groups, around 2,000 employees left field offices by April.
The SSA has announced plans to reduce its overall workforce from about 57,000 to 50,000 and has said it is focusing on "mission-critical services" while trimming what it called a "bloated workforce."
However, critics argue that these staffing cuts—combined with a decline in phone support and new identity verification processes—are making it more difficult for people to get the help they need.
Some seniors and disability recipients have reported delays in payments, problems accessing online services, and long wait times when trying to reach the agency by phone.
Also read: Social Security after retirement: 6 Smart moves to make
Why transparency matters
Transparency around government operations is a key part of public accountability.
When a federal agency like the SSA undergoes major changes, the public has a right to know what those changes are and how they might be affected.
That’s where the Freedom of Information Act comes in—but according to the lawsuit, the SSA has not provided the requested documents, even after legal deadlines passed.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, emphasized the stakes: “When government actions threaten the stability of one of our nation’s most important safety net programs, transparency isn’t optional—it’s essential.”
The lawsuit reflects a broader concern that too little is being shared with the public about how these internal shifts could affect the millions of people who rely on Social Security benefits every day.
Also read: What Social Security really looks like at 72 in 2025
Missing data and rising frustration
One of the most concerning issues raised in the lawsuit is the recent removal of customer service metrics from the SSA’s website.
These data points—such as office wait times and call response rates—help the public understand how the agency is performing.
Without access to this information, it’s harder to hold the SSA accountable or to determine whether service is improving or declining.
Advocates say that at a time when website crashes and system outages appear to be more frequent, these metrics are more important than ever.
For people depending on timely benefit checks or help with applications, a lack of communication and clarity can create unnecessary stress and financial hardship.
Also read: Get ready for a Social Security update: When the 2026 COLA will be announced
What happens next?
As of now, the SSA has not issued a formal public response to the lawsuit.
The legal process could take months, but the case is already drawing attention from lawmakers, advocacy organizations, and concerned citizens.
The outcome may shape future expectations around how government agencies share information and respond to public concerns.
In the meantime, groups like Democracy Forward continue to advocate for greater openness and accountability.
Whether the lawsuit results in the release of new records or policy changes remains to be seen—but it has added fresh urgency to a conversation about how government programs serve the people they were designed to protect.
Read next:
Have you noticed longer wait times, phone issues, or delays in receiving your Social Security benefits? If so, you’re not alone—and your story could help shed light on how these changes are affecting people across the country.
Share your experience in the comments below so we can continue highlighting the issues that matter most to our readers.
Social Security is a crucial program for over 74 million Americans, offering benefits to retirees, people with disabilities, and families who rely on it to get by.
But recent internal changes at the SSA have sparked growing concerns about reduced services, delayed payments, and longer wait times.
Advocacy groups are now pushing for more transparency about what’s driving these changes—and what impact they’re having on people who need help.
A new legal effort may finally bring some long-awaited answers.
Advocacy groups are demanding more transparency from the Social Security Administration as service changes raise concerns nationwide. Image Source: Pexels / Markus Winkler.
A legal challenge to open the books
The nonprofit group Democracy Forward has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Maryland, arguing that the SSA has failed to respond to multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
These requests aim to uncover internal communications, staffing data, service records, and other documents related to recent agency restructuring.
At the center of the inquiry is how the SSA's ongoing changes—particularly those linked to recent administrative leadership—may be affecting public access to benefits.
The group is seeking a wide range of materials, including memos, wait time data, meeting recordings, and metrics that were recently removed from public-facing tools like the SSA website.
Their goal is to better understand how decisions about staffing and customer service are influencing the experience of everyday Social Security recipients.
Also read: White House responds to Social Security change concerns
Staff reductions and service concerns
Since the beginning of the year, the SSA has seen notable reductions in its workforce.
According to Democracy Forward and reporting from advocacy groups, around 2,000 employees left field offices by April.
The SSA has announced plans to reduce its overall workforce from about 57,000 to 50,000 and has said it is focusing on "mission-critical services" while trimming what it called a "bloated workforce."
However, critics argue that these staffing cuts—combined with a decline in phone support and new identity verification processes—are making it more difficult for people to get the help they need.
Some seniors and disability recipients have reported delays in payments, problems accessing online services, and long wait times when trying to reach the agency by phone.
Also read: Social Security after retirement: 6 Smart moves to make
Why transparency matters
Transparency around government operations is a key part of public accountability.
When a federal agency like the SSA undergoes major changes, the public has a right to know what those changes are and how they might be affected.
That’s where the Freedom of Information Act comes in—but according to the lawsuit, the SSA has not provided the requested documents, even after legal deadlines passed.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, emphasized the stakes: “When government actions threaten the stability of one of our nation’s most important safety net programs, transparency isn’t optional—it’s essential.”
The lawsuit reflects a broader concern that too little is being shared with the public about how these internal shifts could affect the millions of people who rely on Social Security benefits every day.
Also read: What Social Security really looks like at 72 in 2025
Missing data and rising frustration
One of the most concerning issues raised in the lawsuit is the recent removal of customer service metrics from the SSA’s website.
These data points—such as office wait times and call response rates—help the public understand how the agency is performing.
Without access to this information, it’s harder to hold the SSA accountable or to determine whether service is improving or declining.
Advocates say that at a time when website crashes and system outages appear to be more frequent, these metrics are more important than ever.
For people depending on timely benefit checks or help with applications, a lack of communication and clarity can create unnecessary stress and financial hardship.
Also read: Get ready for a Social Security update: When the 2026 COLA will be announced
What happens next?
As of now, the SSA has not issued a formal public response to the lawsuit.
The legal process could take months, but the case is already drawing attention from lawmakers, advocacy organizations, and concerned citizens.
The outcome may shape future expectations around how government agencies share information and respond to public concerns.
In the meantime, groups like Democracy Forward continue to advocate for greater openness and accountability.
Whether the lawsuit results in the release of new records or policy changes remains to be seen—but it has added fresh urgency to a conversation about how government programs serve the people they were designed to protect.
Read next:
- A new warning about Social Security scam has seniors on alert
- Social Security at 90: Trump administration proposals could reshape retirement for millions
- Don't lose your benefits! Discover which Social Security services you can still access during a government shutdown
Have you noticed longer wait times, phone issues, or delays in receiving your Social Security benefits? If so, you’re not alone—and your story could help shed light on how these changes are affecting people across the country.
Share your experience in the comments below so we can continue highlighting the issues that matter most to our readers.
