On October 14, 2025, Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA) to enforce the Freedom of Information Act, as the agency had failed to respond to multiple requests for records that would shed light on sweeping internal changes and customer service breakdowns under the Trump-Vance administration. These changes include workforce reductions, cuts to over-the-phone services, and the removal of key customer service metrics from SSA’s website. 

These moves have reportedly fueled long wait times, payment delays, and confusion for beneficiaries in vulnerable situations. This has left millions of Americans – including seniors and people with disabilities – struggling to access the benefits they rely on and are entitled to.

Democracy Forward submitted a series of FOIA requests beginning in July 2025, seeking internal memos, communications, and data about the impact of the administration’s restructuring policies. Despite statutory deadlines, the SSA has failed to release the requested records. This refusal keeps the public in the dark about decisions that affect over 74 million Americans. 

The lawsuit asks the court to order the SSA to release all non-exempt records related to these service disruptions, grant fee waivers that support the public’s right to know, and stop withholding information vital to understanding the impact of the administration’s actions.

The case is Democracy Forward Foundation v. SSA.