Montana – For thousands of Montanans relying on Social Security, obtaining help with their benefits has become increasingly challenging. With significant staff shortages in Social Security offices across the state, residents face growing difficulties resolving issues related to their payments and services.
As the demand for Social Security assistance rises, Montana’s offices struggle with fewer workers, threatening the timeliness and accessibility of support for recipients across the state.
The Scope of Social Security Dependence in Montana
According to AARP, over 258,000 Montanans receive Social Security – representing more than one in five state residents. This program contributes over $5 billion annually to Montana’s economy, highlighting its vital role for individuals and the broader community.
- Montana is among the 46 states experiencing staffing shortages at Social Security offices.
- The Strategic Organizing Center reports a rise in service demand paired with declining staff availability.
The Impact of Staffing Shortages on Montana and Neighboring Wyoming
The staffing crisis is particularly acute in Montana and Wyoming. Between March 2024 and March 2025, Social Security offices in Montana reported a 14% decrease in staffing, while Wyoming experienced an even steeper 17% reduction.
These shortages disproportionately affect residents of these states due to geographic and technological factors. Many Montanans face:
- Long travel distances to reach local Social Security offices.
- Limited reliable internet and computer access, hindering the ability to use online resources.
“Residents in these geographies are less likely to have stable internet and computer access to get online services. Residents of Wyoming and Montana already face significant drive times to local offices,” explained the Strategic Organizing Center.
Additional Challenges and Future Concerns
Montana had over 25,000 individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits as of 2022. This reflects a significant portion of the population that depends on timely assistance. Compounding the problem, federal plans announced in February 2025 propose a 12% reduction in the Social Security Administration workforce nationwide, equating to approximately 7,000 job cuts.
With Montana’s staff already diminished by 14%, further reductions could severely impact service delivery, causing longer wait times and limited assistance for beneficiaries.
For further details on Social Security challenges in Montana, visit the original report here.
What This Means for Montanans
The combined effects of high demand, geographic barriers, and workforce reductions suggest Montanans will face increasing hardships accessing Social Security help. Stakeholders and community advocates are calling attention to these trends in hopes of securing additional resources and staff.
- Montanans may experience longer wait times for case resolution.
- In-person visits could become more difficult due to fewer staff and longer travel.
- There is a growing need for technological improvements to bridge digital access gaps.
What do you think about these staffing challenges in Montana’s Social Security offices? Have these issues affected you or someone you know? Share your thoughts in the comments below!