The Social Security Administration (SSA) is shaking things up—and not everyone’s happy about it. By 2026, the agency plans to slash in-person visits to its offices by more than 50%, limiting them to just 15 million a year. That’s a big drop from the 31.6 million people who recently walked through SSA doors.
This new plan is part of a larger effort to modernize services and shift more people to online and phone-based support. According to SSA leadership under President Trump, this move is all about speed, efficiency, and “meeting people where they are.” But with over 7,000 employees laid off this year and rural offices already closing, many beneficiaries and workers are sounding the alarm.
So, what does all of this mean for you if you depend on Social Security? Let’s unpack it.
Table of Contents
Shift
Why is the SSA cutting back on in-person service? Officials say it’s all about modernization. Barton Mackey, an SSA spokesperson, claims the agency is “serving more Americans than ever before” and doing so faster by encouraging the use of digital services.
Online portals and phone assistance are being pushed as faster, more convenient options. The idea is that fewer people need to physically go to a Social Security office, especially for tasks like applying for benefits or updating personal information.
The 2026 operational plan sets clear benchmarks:
- Cut total in-person visits to 15 million
- Ensure appointments are scheduled within 30 days (currently only 78.3% meet this)
SSA leaders believe this will make the entire process smoother and less frustrating for most users.
Concerns
Not everyone sees this as a win. In fact, critics—including union leaders and Social Security advocates—are worried that this is just the beginning of something worse.
Here’s why the backlash is growing:
- Over 7,000 SSA workers were laid off this year
- Many rural offices have already closed due to staff shortages
- Fewer offices could mean longer wait times and harder access for seniors and people without internet access
- AI and automation are slowly replacing human workers
Jessica LaPointe, a union representative for over 30,000 SSA employees under AFGE, voiced serious concerns. She warned that the SSA’s end goal may be to replace experienced workers with “AI and the internet”—a shift that many fear could lower service quality, especially for those who rely on face-to-face help.
Closures
Office closures are already underway, especially in rural communities where staffing shortages hit hardest. This poses a serious problem for older Americans who:
- Don’t have internet access
- Aren’t comfortable using technology
- Prefer face-to-face communication
In-person offices are often a lifeline for these populations. Losing access could make simple tasks—like verifying benefits or updating information—way more difficult.
While SSA says offices will always remain the “first line” of service, many worry the writing is on the wall.
Benefits
Despite all this, the SSA assures that benefits aren’t going anywhere—at least not yet. Payments continue as scheduled, and the system is still functioning.
So if you’re a beneficiary, here’s what you need to know about December 2025 payments:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th of the month | December 10 |
| 11th–20th of the month | December 17 |
| 21st–31st of the month | December 24 |
These payments are unaffected by the recent changes and will be delivered on time—either by direct deposit or check, based on your setup.
Future
Looking ahead, there’s a clear push toward automation and digital self-service. The SSA wants people to handle as much as possible online or by phone.
If you’re already using ssa.gov or calling the SSA for your needs, you probably won’t feel much of a change. But if you rely on walking into an office, you’ll likely face fewer locations, longer wait times, or more pressure to “go digital.”
Whether that’s progress or a problem depends on your personal situation.
But one thing’s clear—the way we interact with Social Security is changing, fast.
FAQs
Why is SSA reducing in-person visits?
To modernize services and shift users to online or phone support.
How many visits will SSA allow by 2026?
The plan is to limit in-person visits to 15 million per year.
Is SSA closing rural offices?
Yes, some rural offices have closed due to staff shortages.
Are December Social Security payments affected?
No, payments are being made on schedule by birth date.
Will SSA replace workers with AI?
Union leaders fear AI could replace trained human staff.
