Democrats accused the Trump administration of "putting Social Security benefits at risk by firing the staff who help beneficiaries."

The Social Security Administration is preparing to lay off at least 7,000 people from its workforce of 60,000 — and the final reduction in force number could be as high as 50%, according to two people familiar with the agency’s plans who are not authorized to speak publicly.

The agency is also restructuring and closing six of 10 regional offices that coordinate and provide support to employees who serve beneficiaries.