May 28, 2025

ICYMI: DOGE Social Security Service Changes Force Long, Unnecessary Travel Costs

Trump, DOGE service cuts will require people to make nearly 2 million additional trips to understaffed Social Security field offices each year

In 31 states, over 25% of seniors must travel over an hour to access nearest Social Security field office

Washington, D.C. – A new analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities revealed that recent cuts to Social Security phone services are forcing long, unnecessary travel burdens on seniors and other beneficiaries.

The Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE made cuts to Social Security Administration (SSA) phone service, including removing the ability to change direct deposit and other banking information over the phone. These changes will require Americans to make nearly 2 million additional trips to already-understaffed Social Security field offices each year — resulting in hours of wasted time, money spent on gas, and more.

The new analysis found that half of all seniors must drive at least 33 minutes to visit a field office, and nearly a quarter of seniors (13.5 million) live more than an hour round trip from their nearest office. Further, an estimated over 6 million seniors do not drive, and nearly 8 million seniors report a medical condition or disability that makes it hard to travel.

Earlier this year, DOGE identified dozens of Social Security Administration offices across the country it proposed to close — which would make accessing offices even more difficult and time-consuming for Americans.

Percent of seniors who must drive more than an hour to visit a field office

Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

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