Congressional Plan Seeks Social Security Boost for 60 Million Americans

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is undergoing significant changes aimed at modernizing its operations and improving service delivery. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced a bill to prevent SSA office closures and staffing cuts, addressing issues worsened by reductions during President Trump's administration, which have led to delays and overwhelmed phone lines affecting millions of beneficiaries. Concurrently, the SSA is phasing out paper checks by September 30, 2025, transitioning to electronic payments via direct deposit or a Direct Express debit card, with limited exemptions. Technology upgrades, including a new telephone system implemented across 70% of SSA field offices, have reduced average call wait times from 18 to 6 minutes and increased call handling capacity by 70%, improving overall customer service. Despite these efforts, experts warn that Social Security faces financial challenges, with the trust fund projected to deplete by the mid-2030s, potentially leading to a 20% benefit cut unless reforms such as raising the full retirement age are enacted. Additionally, the SSA has clarified benefit payments after a recipient's death, outlining a strict order of priority for claimants and the return of payments for the month of death.