Calling its workforce “bloated,” the Social Security Administration announced Friday plans to slash about 7,000 jobs, or roughly 12% of its staff. The potential cuts are part of a larger reorganization at the agency in line with the Trump administration’s drive to downsize the federal government.

The U.S. government agency that provides benefits to tens of millions of older Americans plans to cut 7,000 workers, it announced on Friday, as part of the Trump administration's plan to slash the size of the federal workforce.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration is preparing to lay off at least 7,000 people from its workforce of 60,000, according to a person familiar with the agency’s plans who is not authorized to speak publicly. The workforce reduction, according to a second person who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, could be as high as 50%.

The Social Security Administraton's planning to ax 7,000 jobs. What this means for its workers and Social Security beneficiaries.

Another way Social Security recipients could be affected is delays in applications. Social Security Disability Insurance already has a long wait for cases to be reviewed. A reduction in workforce could potentially slow these reviews to a catastrophic crawl.

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

The Social Security Administration says it plans to cut 7,000 jobs and reduce the number of its regional offices.