CALIFORNIA – California attorney general Rob Bonta launched, April 15, a new webpage to collect complaints about disruptions to Social Security benefits.
“Your social security benefits should not be impacted by President Trump and Elon Musk’s cuts to federal funding and programs,” said Bonta.
He and a coalition of 21 attorneys general also filed an amicus brief in American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek, a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s abrupt changes to core Social Security Administration (SSA) policies.
‘Threatening to send the agency into a ‘death spiral’
The Trump administration is implementing cuts to SSA as part of a broader initiative to reduce federal spending and increase efficiency.
The attorneys general allege that the administration has “caused ‘complete, utter chaos’ and are threatening to send the agency into a ‘death spiral’, according to workers at the agency.
“Announcements of changes have been made only to be rolled back days or even hours later. Offices have been slated for closure only to later be removed from the list. And Defendants are indiscriminately cutting staff without regard for how the cuts will impact SSA’s ability to provide core services,” said the court document.
They go on to say that the administration has failed to offer any coherent justification for their erratic actions, which has sown confusion and uncertainty.
Actions violate Administrative Procedure Act
The attorneys general argue that these actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act, which forbids agencies from acting arbitrarily and capriciously and requires that agency actions be “reasonable and reasonably explained.”
They ask the court to approve their request for a temporary order to stop these actions while the case continues.
Report disruptions to benefits
Bonta encourages recipients that have experienced any disruptions to Social Security benefits to report it using the form found at oag.ca.gov/socialsecurity.
“While the California Department of Justice does not represent individuals, this information is vital to ascertaining the impact of federal actions on California and aiding with any potential future action by the state,” said Bonta in a statement.
The webpage also provides information on how recipients can contact their Congressional representatives, who may also be able to assist.
RELATED: CA monitoring insider trading concerns amid Trump’s tariff delay
