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Major changes announced for Social Security

The White House says it will improve accountability, efficiency, and service

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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.

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The Trump administration is planning significant changes to the Social Security Administration, restructuring its leadership and operations in what officials described as an effort to improve accountability, efficiency, and service for millions of Americans.

The announcement comes at a politically charged moment, as critics continue to warn that recent budget measures backed by President Trump could lead to cuts in benefits for hundreds of thousands of recipients. The administration insists that the changes will strengthen the agency’s ability to serve beneficiaries while modernizing its operations.

SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano introduced several new appointments to the agency’s senior team. Among them:

  • Chad Poist as chief of staff and chief risk officer
  • Karen Glenn as chief actuary
  • Nicholas Perrine as chief communications officer
  • Jay Ortis as acting chief of disability adjudication
  • Andy Sriubas as chief of field operations

According to Bisignano, the new team will oversee a streamlined agency designed to “bring leadership closer to frontline services” and ensure accountability across its programs.

New structure

The SSA also announced a significant operational restructuring. Moving forward, the agency will be divided into three core areas: Field Operations, Processing Centers, and Digital Service. 

Officials said the change is intended to make the agency more responsive to the needs of beneficiaries and to improve coordination between branches.

In addition, all security functions, ranging from information technology to physical and personnel security, will now be consolidated under a single office. The agency says this move will help protect sensitive data and ensure stronger oversight.

Digital shift

In a press release, Bisignano pointed to improvements the SSA has already achieved in customer service. He said wait times on the agency’s national hotline have been reduced from an average of 30 minutes to “single digits,” while field office wait times have fallen by about 30 percent. The SSA also restored 24/7 access to its online portal.

Perhaps the most significant change for beneficiaries will be the transition to fully digital payments, set to begin this month. Under an executive order signed by President Trump in March, paper checks will be eliminated. The agency estimates the shift will save more than $2 million annually, as electronic fund transfers cost a fraction of what it takes to issue paper checks.