This Is How Trump's Social Security Layoffs Could Affect Your Benefits

Workforce cuts may delay benefits, shut down offices and create problems for retirees who rely on government assistance.

The Social Security Administration plans to lay off 7,000 workers, bringing its workforce headcount to about 50,000, according to a recent news release.

If there’s any government program that directly affects the lives of a wide swath of Americans, it’s Social Security. According to the Social Security Administration, almost 69 million Americans will receive a Social Security benefit every month in 2025. That’s about $1.6 trillion in benefits paid during the year.

Former SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley, a Democrat, told CNBC that workforce cuts could result in a system collapse. However, Republicans say the cuts are designed to reduce costs and eliminate waste.