Social Security callback waits reached about two and a half hours
Reporting and findings
- reported
Washington Post testing and agency data found Social Security callers encountering callback waits around two and a half hours after DOGE-driven staffing and operational changes.
- The Washington Post: Callers to Social Security wait for hours to get helpPassages and source records documenting: Social Security callback waits reached about two and a half hours
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
Summary and current status
Benefits claimants absorbed the operational cost of staff and technology disruption as unpaid waiting time.
Washington Post call tests documented callback waits around 150 minutes
People and organizations
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- Social Security Administrationbenefits agency subjected to DOGE staffing and systems changes
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskreduced service capacity for beneficiariesSocial Security Administration
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
Figures
Observed Social Security callback waitabout 150 minutes Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- Tested Social Security customer-service callbacks
- Period
- 2025-01-01 to 2025-10-28
- Method
- Washington Post call testing and review of agency service data.
- Uncertainty
- Waits vary by day, issue, and channel; this is not a universal claimant average.