New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken action alongside 20 other attorneys general to combat the reported mismanagement and layoffs at the Social Security Administration (SSA) that may affect the delivery of benefits to Americans. They submitted an amicus brief in the case of American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek, aiming to halt the staff reductions led by Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The coalition warns that these cuts could put Social Security payments at risk for millions.
Attorney General James emphasized the importance of Social Security, stating, “Millions of New Yorkers rely on Social Security benefits to ensure they can put food on the table, keep a roof over their head, and access quality health care.” She accuses "Elon Musk, DOGE, and the administration" of attacking "our most vulnerable communities." She assures that her office is committed to securing access to Social Security benefits for those dependent on them.
Social Security acts as a critical support mechanism, affecting significant safety net programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). By the end of 2024, nearly 90% of people aged 65 and above were receiving benefits. There are about 3.7 million Social Security beneficiaries in New York alone.
The amicus brief put forward by James and her coalition outlines the counterproductive nature of staffing reductions at SSA, arguing that the cuts exacerbate rather than resolve SSA's operational challenges. DOGE's buyouts have led around 2,800 SSA staff to retire early or accept retirement packages, causing decreased operational efficiency, longer service delays, and technical issues like website crashes that impede access to services.
Under Dudek's leadership, SSA has experienced instability with announcements of office closures that are frequently reversed. The Trump administration and DOGE claim that large sums have been improperly disbursed by SSA, including payments to deceased individuals. The SSA’s Inspector General disputes these claims, stating that less than 1% of the payments from 2015 to 2022 were improper.
Earlier this year, James communicated with Dudek to express concerns about the closure of the White Plains hearing office and service reductions in Poughkeepsie, which could impact thousands in the Hudson Valley. These offices are crucial for residents across several counties.
In addition to James, other states joining the brief include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.