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A recent federal lawsuit was filed by disability advocates against the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), highlighting concerns over significant cuts to the agency’s services. The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, contends that recent policy changes under the current DOGE administration have severely inhibited access to essential benefits for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
The complaint cites major issues stemming from reductions in staff, the closure of offices, and increased demands for in-person service. These changes are alleged to have created barriers that make it challenging for many beneficiaries to obtain the support they are entitled to under the law.
The plaintiffs in this case consist of notable organizations including the National Federation of the Blind, the American Association of People with Disabilities, and several other advocacy groups, alongside individual beneficiaries. The legal representatives, Justice in Aging and Brown, Goldstein & Levy LLP, argue that the actions taken by SSA amount to an unprecedented attack on Social Security benefits veiled as administrative reform.
The lawsuit claims that in the short span of nine weeks, the new administration has drastically transformed the SSA, implementing destabilizing policy changes that shift responsibilities to local offices while dramatically reducing phone service availability. This restructuring, according to the advocates, jeopardizes the core mission of the agency, potentially leaving many without necessary benefits.
Additionally, the lawsuit argues that these developments violate the Rehabilitation Act and the Administrative Procedure Act, along with infringing on the First Amendment rights that allow citizens to petition the government for grievances. The plaintiffs also highlight the pressing issue of 1.1 million pending disability claims, indicating that the prolonged waits could have dire consequences for individuals in desperate need of support.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson from the White House insisted that the administration remains committed to government efficiency and maintains that the restructuring efforts comply with legal standards. The spokesperson highlighted President Trump’s pledge to streamline federal operations as a primary objective of the DOGE initiative, which was established shortly after his inauguration.
Claims of ‘Administrative Vandalism’
The SSA is responsible for issuing monthly payments to around 73 million recipients of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. The agency has undergone drastic changes since the inception of DOGE, which was created specifically to combat perceived inefficiencies within the federal government.
Reportedly, the SSA has seen a reduction of 7,000 positions along with the closure of critical offices such as the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, which was responsible for maintaining civil rights programs, and the Office of Transformation, which managed customer service initiatives. Furthermore, new policies seem to complicate identity verification processes for beneficiaries, compelling more individuals to seek assistance in person.
The advocates contend that these actions represent a dismantling of key SSA functions, leaving millions facing increased poverty and distress. They assert that what is labeled as reform is genuinely a form of administrative vandalism.
Challenges Faced by Beneficiaries
The plaintiffs’ complaint includes testimonies from individuals experiencing the negative impacts of these policy changes. One notable case is that of Treva Olivero, who has been legally blind since birth. She received notice in March 2024 that she had been overpaid disability benefits for several years and was subsequently asked to repay over $100,000. The situation worsened when her Medicaid coverage was terminated, leaving her without income and essential health services.
Another plaintiff, Merry Schoch, detailed her struggle after being injured by a waste management vehicle in 2022. Despite initially receiving benefits, subsequent changes in her employment status led to complications with her payments, culminating in a demand to repay $30,000 after her benefits were terminated.
Both women are affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind and share a common plight of battling bureaucratic challenges exacerbated by the SSA’s recent reforms. The advocates are pressing for judicial action to reverse these changes, which include significant personnel cuts and the necessity for in-person appointments.
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