Maximus, as one of the key contractors involved in developing the DWP Work Capability Assessment training materials, was implicated in producing guidance on ME that is factually flawed and potentially harmful to chronically ill and disabled claimants. The training, criticized for promoting outdated biopsychosocial models and harmful practices, may contribute to policies that deny essential support to vulnerable populations.

On June 10, 2025, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to Maximus demanding answers about its lobbying practices. The letter criticized the company for profiting from removing millions of eligible Americans from Medicaid under a Republican plan, highlighting a history of aggressive lobbying and unethical business strategies that exploit vulnerable populations.

OpenSecrets data downloaded on May 14, 2025, indicates that Maximus Inc has engaged in significant lobbying efforts during the early months of 2025. The profile details expenditures and activity aimed at influencing federal policy, a practice that raises concerns about corporate influence in democratic processes.

The Communications Workers of America union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that Maximus violated labor laws by interfering with union organizing, retaliating against employees with layoffs, and coercing workers against union representation, amid significant workforce reductions at its call centers serving HHS.

Maximus, Inc., a government services contractor, agreed to pay $8 million to settle allegations that it misled the U.S. Census Bureau about the quality of its call center performance during the 2020 Census. The settlement resolved claims brought under the False Claims Act by whistleblowers who alleged that the company selectively scored calls to artificially boost performance metrics and secure higher award fees.

Maximus, Inc. outlines its structured approach to political contributions and lobbying through its PAC, with thorough oversight by its Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee, independent third‐party reviews, and bipartisan contribution practices. The firm's measures ensure alignment with federal regulations and ethical standards in its political activities.

Federal call center workers employed by Maximus testified before Congress and protested at the White House over poor working conditions, low wages, unaffordable healthcare, and lack of job security. Their advocacy highlights longstanding labor abuses at the company, which operates a major federal contract for healthcare services.

Laid-off Maximus call center workers delivered a petition to HHS Secretary Becerra and organized protests—including civil disobedience and a filed Unfair Labor Practice charge—in response to repeated mass layoffs, inadequate notice periods, and poor job security that have left workers in economic distress.

On November 9, 2023, call center workers at Maximus, a federal Health and Human Services contractor, staged a one-day strike to protest exploitative wages and labor law violations. The largely women of color workforce, struggling with inadequate pay and poor benefits despite the company's significant federal contract, demanded a living wage of $25 per hour, union recognition, and an investigation into ongoing labor abuses.

Maximus Inc donated $79,500 through its PAC to various federal candidates during the 2023-2024 election cycle, as reported by OpenSecrets. The donation includes contributions to candidates from both major parties, which raises concerns about corporate influence in politics.

In May 2023, a ransomware attack on Maximus' corporate network using Progress Software's MOVEit Transfer software compromised personal data of up to 612,000 Medicare recipients. The incident prompted HHS and CMS to notify affected individuals and offer 24-month credit monitoring. While Maximus stated that data privacy and security are top priorities and is investigating the breach, the exposure of sensitive data highlights significant cybersecurity shortcomings in protecting a vulnerable population.

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against Maximus following a second round of mass layoffs that affected more than 700 call center employees. The charges allege retaliatory actions against workers who spoke out about poor working conditions and union organizing, prompting protests outside HHS headquarters and calls for a federal investigation into labor practices.

Maximus Inc spent $990,000 on lobbying during 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. This event highlights the company's active engagement in influencing policy, raising concerns about the potential prioritization of corporate interests over public welfare.