1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

The Social Security Administration is severely underfunded, with a minimum funding level currently set far below what is needed to properly serve the public and protect access to earned benefits. This unacceptable situation puts vulnerable Americans at risk of not receiving their rightfully owed Social Security payments in a timely manner. To rectify this, Congress must increase the minimum funding level for the Social Security Administration to 1.2% of benefit outlays. Providing this higher level of funding is crucial to ensuring the Agency has the resources necessary to accurately and efficiently process claims and inquiries from the millions who rely on Social Security. Furthermore, anomaly funding for Social Security operations must be included in the upcoming December Continuing Resolution as a stopgap measure while a permanent solution is legislated. Failure to take these steps will create even more backlogs and processing delays, unduly burdening those counting on their hard-earned Social Security benefits. Prioritizing full and stable funding for the Social Security Administration is a moral imperative to protect a vital safety net program that lifts millions out of poverty.