California Attorney General Rob Bonta has allied with a group of 21 attorneys general to submit an amicus brief concerning the case of American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek. This legal action addresses sudden alterations to essential Social Security Administration (SSA) policies implemented during the Trump Administration, which are alleged to have led to notable disruptions and delays, impeding individuals' access to vital benefits. The claim highlights that organizational changes such as staffing reductions, field office closures, and the reported illegal shutdown of certain departments have obstructed SSA’s capability to address and amend these disruptions. The brief claims that these changes negatively impact states' ability to deliver crucial services, such as disability determinations and Medicaid administration.
In relation to the issue, Attorney General Bonta noted, "Social Security benefits are a lifeline for over six million Californians. Social Security Administration staff help older Californians and Californians with disabilities process their applications and ensure people can qualify for health insurance — this is critically important work." He further criticized actions by the Trump Administration and the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) for undermining SSA's functionality and public trust, making it more difficult, and at times impossible, for vulnerable groups to access necessary benefits and services.
The Department of Governmental Efficiency, under Elon Musk, has been said to have influenced the SSA’s policies, attempting to address perceived inefficiencies. Despite these efforts, SSA's performance has reportedly deteriorated, with longer wait times for phone service and increased strain on field offices, where the lack of internet access among seniors is a concern. Additionally, SSA's online services have experienced disruptions following the dissolution of the office managing its website and significant IT staff layoffs. As a result, SSA plans to use X, a social media platform owned by Musk, for public communications, which may not effectively reach seniors who predominantly do not use social media.
The attorneys general indicated that the continued impairment of SSA's functions will compel states to address increased reliance on state aid programs and cope with disruptions to state programs depending on SSA's determinations and funding. These claims posit ongoing damages impacting millions reliant on SSA for critical benefits.
Attorney General Bonta, along with attorneys general from several states including Connecticut, Arizona, Colorado, and others, reinforces his commitment to safeguarding Californians from the Trump Administration's unlawful practices while maintaining access to federal assistance programs. Earlier actions by Bonta include legal challenges against these practices and efforts to provide California residents with a platform to report disruptions experienced with social security services.
A copy of the amicus brief has been made available.