The Social Security Administration (SSA) sent termination notices to several employees this week. While layoffs across federal agencies have been a common theme since President Donald Trump returned to office, the cuts at SSA are on a much smaller scale compared to other departments.
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has been working to reduce federal workforce costs. Their focus has been on employees in their probationary period, which lasts about a year. Across all agencies, these probationary workers make up roughly 10% of federal staff. However, SSA’s cuts have been minimal compared to other departments.
How Many Workers Were Affected?
SSA employs around 60,000 people, with 1,800 still in their probationary period. Out of those, only 41 received termination notices. The union representing SSA workers, the AFGE Social Security General Committee, said it was relieved that nearly all employees were spared.
Rich Couture, the union’s spokesperson, emphasized that now is the time to increase staffing rather than reduce it. As 10,000 new people become eligible for Social Security benefits every day, the demand for assistance is growing.
Why Were Some Employees Let Go?
Not all probationary workers were affected. The SSA stated that employees meeting performance standards in customer service, fraud tracking, and cybersecurity roles were safe from layoffs. Additionally, military veterans were exempt from these job cuts.
For the 41 employees who did receive termination notices, the agency offered an alternative: they could transfer to a frontline customer service position. Those who accept will receive proper training to help them transition into their new roles.
A Social Security spokesperson confirmed that the goal remains the same—to ensure benefits are delivered correctly and on time while maintaining essential services.
Why Does This Matter?
The SSA runs one of the most essential federal programs, providing retirement benefits to over 50 million older Americans. Trump has repeatedly assured the public that Social Security benefits will not be cut. However, recent comments from him and Musk have raised concerns.
Both have falsely claimed that SSA sends retirement checks to millions of people over 100 years old—implying the system is riddled with fraud. These claims have been debunked, but they continue to create controversy.
The Bigger Picture: Concerns Over Staffing
Many lawmakers have criticized SSA’s staffing levels, pointing out long wait times on customer service calls. With fewer workers and an aging population, the demand for Social Security assistance is only increasing. Some fear that even small layoffs could impact the quality of service for beneficiaries.
Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees Social Security, have voiced their frustration, stating that reducing SSA staff puts people’s benefits at risk.
SSA Layoffs at a Glance
| Key Information | Details |
| Total SSA Employees | Around 60,000 |
| Probationary Employees | 1,800 |
| Layoffs Announced | 41 |
| Who Was Exempt? | Customer service reps, fraud tracking staff, cybersecurity workers, veterans |
| Alternative Offered? | A chance to transfer to a frontline position with training |
| Reason for Layoffs? | Part of a government-wide effort to reduce staff costs |
FAQs on Trump Layoffs
Why did SSA lay off employees?
The layoffs are part of a government-wide workforce reduction effort. However, SSA’s cuts were much smaller compared to other agencies.
Were benefits affected by these layoffs?
No, Social Security benefits remain unchanged. However, concerns exist about staffing shortages leading to longer wait times for assistance.
Did all laid-off employees lose their jobs?
No, those affected were given the option to transfer to a frontline customer service role with additional training.