The United States Social Security Administration has never missed a monthly benefit payment since its inception more than 80 years ago. However, recent changes under the Trump administration, particularly those spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have raised concerns about potential disruptions to benefits.
What’s happening with Social Security payments?
Martin O’Malley, former commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), has warned that the system is on the verge of “collapse” due to leadership and funding changes. According to O’Malley, IT outages and significant staff cuts have made benefit payments vulnerable to delays.
“I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days,” O’Malley told CNBC.com, advising people to begin saving in case of benefit interruptions.
Who is leading the Social Security Administration now?
Since DOGE was implemented to reduce federal spending, there has been leadership turnover at the SSA. Acting Commissioner Michelle King recently resigned due to disagreements about DOGE’s access to sensitive data.
Trump nominated Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano as the new commissioner, but he has yet to face Senate confirmation hearings. Meanwhile, Lee Dudek was appointed acting commissioner, but he was placed on administrative leave after assisting DOGE officials.
Could Social Security office closures affect benefits?
The SSA is facing significant staff reductions and office closures. The DOGE savings website lists 45 Social Security offices where leases will be terminated. This includes field offices and locations where disability hearings are held.
“If they’re closing these busy offices in highly populated areas, no office is safe, especially in rural areas,” said Rich Couture, spokesperson for the AFGE SSA General Committee, which represents 42,000 Social Security employees.
Who will be most affected by these Social Security changes?
According to Jill Hornick of the American Federation of Government Employees, those applying for new Social Security benefits may be the most affected. While existing automated payments are likely to continue, new applications—such as retirement, disability, or survivor benefits—may experience lengthy delays.
For example, if a widow applies for survivor benefits, she must provide her marriage license. A Social Security employee is then required to verify it. With fewer staff available, these claims may take much longer to process.
What does Congress say about the potential risks?
Lawmakers have expressed concern about SSA’s future. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) described the staffing cuts as a “backdoor benefit cut.”
“Laying off half of the workforce at the Social Security Administration and shutting down field offices will mean delay, disruption, and denial of benefits,” Larson told the press.
Union officials are challenging the SSA’s changes, filing lawsuits and issuing bargaining demands. However, legal battles may take time, so congressional pressure and public outrage may play a critical role in reversing these decisions.
Will Social Security Fairness Act payments still go through?
Despite concerns about SSA operations, the agency recently announced that it will expedite payments under the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 5. The law repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, both of which previously reduced benefits for some pension recipients.
As a result, over 3.2 million people will receive one-time lump sum payments and increased monthly benefits. The Social Security Administration has committed to making retroactive payments beginning in February, with the majority of recipients expected to receive them by the end of March. Monthly benefit increases will start in April.
The SSA advises beneficiaries who are awaiting these payments to keep their direct deposit information and mailing addresses up to date. Those looking for updates on their status should wait until April to contact the agency.
What’s next for Social Security?
The fate of Social Security benefits is now subject to both political pressure and public reaction. Former Social Security Administration Commissioner O’Malley predicts that congressional leaders will face increased pressure from voters demanding action to protect their benefits.
“These are earned benefits,” O’Malley explained. “People have worked their whole lives for them.”