U.S. News
To Prevent DOGE Cuts, SSA Offers $25,000 Early Out Option
Clear Facts
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing for significant workforce reductions and offering up to $25,000 for employees to resign.
- The restructuring is part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s initiative to cut waste, with plans due by March 13.
- The Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) is available on a first-come basis, with amounts varying by pay scale classification.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is bracing for substantial changes as it embarks on a plan to reduce its workforce. This move is part of a broader effort by the Department of Government Efficiency to streamline operations and cut unnecessary spending within the federal government.
In a message sent to its employees, the SSA outlined several voluntary options for those affected by the impending reorganization. Among these options is the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP), which offers financial incentives for employees who choose to resign.
The VSIP is structured to provide varying amounts based on an employee’s pay scale classification. Employees classified under general schedule 8 or lower can receive $15,000, those in GS 9-12 are eligible for $20,000, and GS 13 or higher can receive the maximum of $25,000.
This incentive is available on a “first-come basis” until March 14, and employees who opt for it will be placed on administrative leave until April 19, at which point they must separate from the SSA.
The SSA’s message highlighted that “offices that perform functions not mandated by statute may be prioritized for reduction-in-force actions.” This could include the abolishment of certain organizations and positions, as well as directed reassignments.
Additionally, the agency warned that employees in non-mission critical roles might be reassigned to mission-critical direct service positions.
The restructuring comes in the wake of cuts that have already impacted parts of the SSA under previous government efforts to enhance efficiency. Notably, the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity and the Office of Transformation were closed, with employees placed on administrative leave.
As the SSA navigates these changes, it remains to be seen how the reorganization will impact the agency’s operations and its ability to serve the public effectively.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Maxx
March 2, 2025 at 6:15 pm
An excellent way to determine just how many employees are needed instead of creating a phony need is to remove numbers of them to see what happens. The private sector can’t afford a “bloated” work force. Neither should the government just because they can. Every agency reviewed so far resulted in bloat.
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March 6, 2025 at 2:35 pm
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John
March 2, 2025 at 6:17 pm
They would get a little over 19,000 dollars after taxes. It’s the same as a vera-vesep early out offer. Been there done that when under the depth of defense.theres to much blotting in the gov. Time to save taxpayers money.
Guest
March 2, 2025 at 6:30 pm
I suspect a lot of the extra staff was used to interview and sign up the illegals who received monthly checks, so if they aren’t getting checks, then SS doesn’t need that many employees.
Kathy Arnold
March 2, 2025 at 7:12 pm
So the SS is not government money. It is we the people’s money same with medicare. Leave my money alove please.I have worked all my life and I want to retire soon. I didn’t screw up the government did so fix without taking my money, maybe you should get it from the rich people they don’t have to worry if they can pay bills or eat for the month. The illegals don’t get SS or medicare.
GUY DE PINTO
March 3, 2025 at 7:32 am
Nobody is touching your benefits. Believe me, even retired if you make as decent amount, one gets crushed by the added Medicare tax or IRMAA.
GUY DE PINTO
March 3, 2025 at 7:26 am
Can’t get any worse. Called about a month ago and took me several hours on the phone simply to get my annual letter and form SSA 1099, which I had not received.