SSA plans layoffs before March 26 payment date

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a plan that may lead to layoffs, just two days before the March 26 payment date. In a recent release, the SSA stated it aims to improve its workforce through voluntary opportunities for employees to leave or transition to customer service roles. Reports suggest that these changes come at the request of the White House, as the Trump administration seeks to cut waste and fraud in the Social Security system. However, some believe these cuts could worsen the system's already strained services. The SSA has introduced several programs to optimize its workforce. The Deferred Resignation Program allows employees in non-critical roles to take paid leave until they exit by September 2025. Additionally, 2,674 employees accepted a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment, which offers up to $25,000 for those who choose to leave. There's also a Voluntary Early Out Retirement program available until December 2025, allowing all SSA employees to retire early. The agency has encouraged employees to transfer to critical roles within the SSA, with many already volunteering for reassignment. While the SSA has submitted a draft Reduction-in-Force plan to the Office of Personnel Management, they hope to avoid this if enough employees leave voluntarily. Further updates on these plans will be provided as they develop.