Gov

Customer feedback in this category is thin. None of the four agencies has a written summary of customer comments, so the picture comes mostly from ratings and news.

The IRS has the most ratings, 69 votes, and an average of 2.6 out of 5, which points to real dissatisfaction. News about staffing shortages, backlogs, data protection worries and a whistle-blower's leak claim fits that picture. A bill to improve its customer service suggests the problem is recognized.

USPS, CMS and SSA each have one vote and a rating of 3, which is a very weak signal and says little about the typical experience. For USPS, news about missed delivery standards and suspended service is a concern for consumers. For SSA, the possibility of longer waits due to job cuts is worth watching.

The IRS dominates the category's recent news. Headlines cover its newly released 2027 tax brackets, including capital gains brackets, child tax credit and standard deduction changes. Other stories mention an enforcement push with the Department of Justice that uncovered suspected tax fraud, a whistle-blower's claim that his tax records were leaked in retaliation, and a new bill aimed at boosting IRS customer service. Earlier coverage points to budget cuts, staffing shortages and concerns over data protection.

USPS faces pressure over service and costs. Headlines say it plans a weekly fuel fee in 2027, described elsewhere as a permanent gas surcharge, and that it is struggling to meet its own delivery standards. Other reports cover suspended delivery and retail operations at dozens of Florida Panhandle locations, a carrier's death in extreme heat that raised safety questions, and ballot rejections rising in rural counties after mail service was reduced.

Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) is in the news for drug pricing and policy changes. CMS has made Medicare drug price negotiations official, while one report warns that prescription drug costs could jump next year. CMS has also proposed rolling back certain Conditions of Participation, and Medicare Advantage membership is expected to keep growing. Calls for Medicare for All are also in the headlines.

Social Security (SSA) announced a 3.6 percent benefit increase for 2027 due to higher inflation. Alongside that, several reports warn that retirement benefits may face cuts in the early 2030s unless the program's finances are fixed. Coverage also notes a spike in early claims and budget constraints with planned job cuts, which could mean longer waits for beneficiaries.