Schakowsky, Matsui, Larson, Davis, Wild Lead Letter to Support Strengthening Social Security’s Customer Service in FY 2023
WASHINGTON - Representative, Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and a Co-chair of the House Democratic Task Force on Aging and Families, alongside Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA), John B. Larson (D-CT), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), and Susan Wild (D-PA), led 65 of their colleagues in a letter to House appropriators in support of increased funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to improve customer service. A well-funded, well-staffed, and responsive SSA is critical to the health and well-being of the American people.
The letter thanked House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chair Rosa L. DeLauro and Ranking Member Tom Cole for their leadership in providing a funding boost for the SSA in the current continuing resolution.
“However, additional funds will be needed for the rest of the year: as President Biden has indicated, SSA needs a total increase of $800 million for fiscal year 2023 just to maintain services, and significantly more to make much-needed improvements. As you work to complete the fiscal year 2023 appropriations process, we urge you to support the highest amount possible for SSA’s operating budget, to improve customer service and reduce excessive, harmful delays for Americans trying to access their benefits,” wrote the lawmakers.
The operating budget of the SSA has decreased by 14% since 2010, but since that same year, the number of Social Security and SSI beneficiaries has increased by 20%. The number of trained employees available to answer calls, take and process applications, and resolve problems is now at its lowest level in 25 years.
“Today, this perfect storm of rising need and inadequate staffing and resources has led to growing backlogs, lengthy delays, and significant hardship for our constituents who are seeking to access SSA benefits and services,” continued the lawmakers.
Democrats, led in part by the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families, have pushed to ensure America’s seniors enjoy a dignified, healthy, and secure retirement after a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice. Just this year, President Biden and the Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act to address the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and lower costs for those relying on Social Security and Medicare. Meanwhile, Republicans are planning to put these critical lifelines on the chopping block after five years. While Republicans do not think these programs are worth protecting, Democrats will always put seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers first.
“Social Security and SSI are essential to Americans, helping seniors, people with disabilities, survivors and their families to live with dignity and pay for food, housing, transportation, heating and cooling, out-of-pocket medical bills, and other basics,” concluded the lawmakers. “We urge you to support the highest amount possible for SSA’s operating budget in fiscal year 2023, so Americans can receive the benefits they are counting on.”
The letter has been endorsed by: AARP; AFGE; AFL-CIO; Alliance for Retired Americans; American Federation of Teachers; California Alliance for Retired Americans; Campaign for America’s Future; Center for American Progress; Community Legal Services of Philadelphia; Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Social Security Task Force; Generations United; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers; Justice in Aging; National Association of Disability Representatives; National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare; National Disability Rights Network; National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives; Social Security Works; Strengthen Social Security Coalition; The Arc of the United States; and United Spinal Association.
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