The agency beefed up security in most offices this year when the notices went out, and SSA is discussing further measures as it looks ahead to drug and alcohol benefit cutoffs in January. At that time, about one-fourth of alcoholics and addicts currently on SSI rolls are expected to drop off. SSA has been meeting with its union, the American Federation of Government Employees, to prepare for additional SSI cutoffs resulting from welfare reform. In January, the agency will begin notifying parents of some children on disability SSI that the youngsters no longer qualify. Some 185,000 children will be cut off.
Many managers expect a desperate and angry response.
Dealing with unhappy claimants and the threat of violence takes a toll on SSA employees, but so does the radical change in their role. In the past, most new legislation expanded Social Security rolls. It's not only agencies' missions that place employees in the line of fire, it's their location, as well. Disputes over land use are pitting federal workers against ranchers and local officials in the West. Street crime is encroaching on federal facilities located in high-crime areas.