June 15, 2021

Biden Budget Includes Funds to Boost Social Security’s Customer Service

The Social Security Administration (SSA) would receive a $1.3 billion — or 9.7% — increase if President Joe Biden’s FY 2022 budget is adopted. The President has requested a total of $14.2 billion for SSA, and Commissioner Andrew Saul stated in the agency’s budget review that the money would allow SSA to pursue a variety of customer service reform initiatives.

Wait times and backlogs, community outreach to vulnerable groups, and technological enhancements are among the issues the administration will address. Long waits on the agency’s 800 number, a backlog of disability insurance claims awaiting evaluation, and the closing of several field offices are just a few of the issues beneficiaries currently face. While the COVID pandemic compounded these problems, Biden’s proposed investment could go a long way in relieving them.

“We applaud President Biden’s commitment to improving customer service by giving the Social Security Administration more resources,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “SSA’s workers do an excellent job for beneficiaries, but with 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, its budget has not allowed them to meet the demand. The ball is in Congress’ court to pass a budget that includes this important funding.”