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 acting leader of the Social Security Administration reportedly instructed managers earlier this week to draw up plans for a 50% cut to the agency's workforce, a push that advocates and lawmakers said would result in the gutting or total closure of local field offices—and likely benefit disruptions.

The administration has targeted newly-hired employees in a yearlong “probationary” period at other federal agencies as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s downsizing effort, led by billionaire Elon Musk. Probationary employees make up about 10% of federal workers across agencies.

As billionaire Elon Musk's unelected "Department of Government Efficiency" continues its to wreak havoc across the federal government, North County was thrown into confusion as to the status of the Oceanside Social Security Administration office on Wednesday.

The head of the Social Security Administration is reportedly considering major staff cuts, sparking fears for millions of Americans' access to benefits.