AG Nessel Joins Multistate Coalition Opposing Drastic Staffing Cuts to Social Security Administration

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief (PDF) in AAPD, et al. v. Dudek, et al. The coalition is supporting a challenge to the Trump Administration’s attempt to dramatically slash the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) workforce, which was already understaffed. Attorney General Nessel and the coalition argue that these drastic cuts will make it significantly harder for elderly and disabled Americans to access critical, and often lifesaving, benefits and services.  

“The Trump Administration’s unconstitutional and chaotic attempts to gut the Social Security Administration are dangerous and harm the millions of Michigan residents who depend on these benefits to get by,” Nessel said. “These cuts will cause longer delays, more confusion, and added strain on some of our most vulnerable residents. The federal government should not be able to move forward without a clear, strategic plan to ensure recipients continue receiving the benefits they not only need but are entitled to.” 

The average wait time for disability applications was eight months in 2024. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to move forward with SSA staffing cuts without a coherent strategy, further straining an already overwhelmed system. Staffing reductions have led to website outages, customer service disruptions, and closed field offices that many depend on for in-person help. 

In their brief, the coalition contends that the federal government is unlawfully enacting de facto benefit cuts by taking actions it knows will cause chaos and obstruct access to benefits. The coalition also argues the abrupt staffing reductions harm the states and their residents, who depend on the SSA for processing disability claims, administering Medicaid, and supporting other vital programs. 

The coalition asserts these actions violate section 504(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the U.S. Constitution. They support a preliminary injunction in the case halting staffing reductions until a comprehensive plan is in place to prevent interruptions and delays in services. 

In response to growing concerns across Michigan, Attorney General Nessel recently launched a new reporting form for residents experiencing disruptions to their Social Security benefits or services. Since its launch last Friday, the Department of Attorney General has received more than 100 submissions from residents detailing issues with delayed or missing payments or problems contacting SSA agents online, over the phone and in local offices. 

Joining Attorney General Nessel in filing this brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.