Dealing with the Social Security Administration

[Koolau]

There are about 60000 SSA employees, a bit fewer than in 1995, although the population is 28% larger now than then.

There are 1521 field offices, plus national HQ, regional, and district offices. So maybe there are 30 people average in a field office.

Current reports are that SS has been advised to plan to fire HALF of its employees. I find this hard to believe, but if it is, seems like the blowback will be as brisk as us geezers can make it.

Honestly, once I went on SS/MC I've never needed to reach out to SSA. And that was only the second time I ever contacted them.

I'm not sure what 60,000 people in the back-ground do to keep my electronic transfers coming. I'm sure something. But since you can no longer "drop into" an office as I did about 10 years before FIRE, I'm not even certain it takes that many people to keep it running. That was my first contact and that was long before they quit mailing checks.

 

[Midpack]

How do you book an appointment online? I've looked around the SS website, and it only refers to calling them. Nothing I could see about booking an appointment

You have to call your local office to make an appointment. They are trying to steer people to use their online resources, more cost effective for all taxpayers.

 

[copyright1997reloaded]

I've gone to my local social security office twice in the past year. Once Jan or Feb 24 when I retired and had to do an IRMAA exception, and again for 2025 (in December I think). Neither time did I have an appointment. Both times I was able to have the issue taken care of in person. This last time I did have to wait about 20 minutes.

 

[Koolau]

I've gone to my local social security office twice in the past year. Once Jan or Feb 24 when I retired and had to do an IRMAA exception, and again for 2025 (in December I think). Neither time did I have an appointment. Both times I was able to have the issue taken care of in person. This last time I did have to wait about 20 minutes.

Cool! Glad to hear your excellent service.