Some social security services in SC may soon get worse. Here’s why and how

South Carolinians may want to expect longer wait times and delayed benefits for Social Security.

Over the past year, the Social Security Administration has lost over 6,500 employees, reducing the agency to its lowest staffing level in 59 years, according to a press release from the American Federation of Government Employees.

The Trump Administration made deep cuts to the SSA, driven by the desire to reduce the federal workforce. This could lead to 50% fewer Americans getting help in 2026, according to internal SSA documents found by the Strategic Organizing Center, a reputable nationwide trade center.

More than 75 million Americans rely on Social Security to survive.

The SOC also found that the SSA lost 1,862 field office workers, or 9% of its staff, between March 2024 and Aug. 2025.

“These cuts aren’t abstract,” said Jessica LaPointe, President of AFGE Council 220. “They translate directly into longer wait times, delayed benefits and reduced access for people who depend on Social Security every day.”

Though the current administration has publicly said SSA office closures aren’t expected, staffing losses paint a troubling picture.

Possible impact in SC

South Carolina social security services could be severely affected by continued staffing shortages.

According to the SSO, South Carolina’s SSA field office staff decreased by 11% between March 2024 and Aug. 2025.

Now there are only 343 active SSA field office workers in the state, and the total number of beneficiaries in SC is estimated to be 1.3 million, or 24% of SC’s population, according to the SSA.

That means for every social security worker, there are 3,790 beneficiaries to serve, which is one of the most challenging workloads in the nation, according to the AFGE.

As Congress continues oversight of SSA operations, South Carolina’s delegation and community leaders warn that without immediate action to restore staffing and stabilize field office operations, rural and vulnerable communities will bear the brunt of the crisis, the AFGE said.

Phone wait times have decreased

While the effects of the SSA staffing purge are still being studied, the SSA reports that its new AI-driven phone system has reduced phone wait times and handled increased calls.

In January 2025, phone wait times were 30 minutes on average, and the answer rate was around 40%. In January 2026, the average speed of answer was 11 minutes, and the answer rate was 66%. The SSA says the new phone system saves beneficiaries 1.4 million hours in total.

You can contact the SSA at 800-772-1213.