Social Security Benefits at Risk: DOGE Actions Threaten Interruption

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a storied history of reliability, having never missed a benefit payment since its inception over eight decades ago. However, recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, have raised concerns about the potential interruption of benefits for millions of Americans. Former SSA commissioner and Maryland governor Martin O'Malley warned that the system could collapse and lead to benefit interruptions within the next 30 to 90 days.

The SSA uses multiple systems and technologies that Musk has criticized for leading to errors. O'Malley, during his tenure as commissioner, advocated for increased funding to modernize the agency's IT infrastructure. However, the recent changes implemented by DOGE leaders have already resulted in significant staff cuts and system outages, which could become more frequent and prolonged, ultimately leading to a "system collapse and an interruption of benefits."

The Department of Government Efficiency, not a federal department, was established by President Donald Trump to slash spending at federal government agencies. The cuts have led to leadership upheaval, with the recent resignation of acting commissioner Michelle King following a disagreement over DOGE's access to sensitive data. King's departure came after she refused to provide DOGE staffers at the SSA with access to sensitive information.

The White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding the potential interruption of benefits. However, White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields reiterated the White House's expectation that Frank Bisignano, CEO of financial-technology company Fiserv, will be swiftly confirmed as the new commissioner of the SSA in the coming weeks. In the interim, Lee Dudek, who first joined the agency in 2009, has been appointed acting commissioner.

The recent staff cuts and office closures by DOGE are expected to significantly impact the processing of new claims and the provision of other critical services by the SSA. Jill Hornick, a union official at the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1395, warned that processing new claims may take longer since those cannot be processed without Social Security employees. A Social Security worker anonymously stated that wait times for disability benefits could be extended by one year due to staff reductions.

The SSA's restructuring comes as the ranks of Americans receiving Social Security benefits have swelled to an all-time high, largely due to the aging baby boomer population. An average of about 11,000 boomers are set to turn 65 each day this year through 2027, according to a report from the Alliance for Lifetime Income. This demographic change, called "peak 65," is causing major economic and societal changes, with Social Security on the receiving end. Since 2014, the number of retired workers and their dependents receiving Social Security payments has surged by almost 30%, reaching 54 million people as of last year, according to agency data.

Experts warn that the benefits Americans rely on could be at risk based on the Trump administration's overhaul of the agency. Jill Hornick, a union official at the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1395, which primarily represents Social Security offices in Illinois, stated that the American public needs to understand that one of their major social safety nets is in dire jeopardy. Hornick predicted that what will happen to Social Security is going to be "far worse" than the planned cuts to Medicaid.

For people who are already receiving Social Security benefits, most of that is automated and may not be affected. However, processing new claims—whether it be for retirement or disability benefits—may take longer since those cannot be processed without Social Security employees. On Thursday, the Social Security Administration sent a notice to employees that gives them until March 14 to decide whether to take an early buyout. Unlike a previous January offer, this now includes service employees, and staffing reductions in that area may impact how quickly the agency processes benefit claims and provides other services.

In conclusion, the recent actions by DOGE under the Trump administration have raised serious concerns about the potential interruption of Social Security benefits for millions of Americans. The staff cuts, office closures, and access to sensitive data issues have led to warnings from former SSA commissioners and experts that the system could collapse within the next 30 to 90 days. Beneficiaries should be prepared for potential delays or interruptions in their benefit payments and consider taking proactive measures to ensure their financial security.