In North Liberty, Iowa, at a weekly lunch for senior citizens, chicken may have been served, but the real topic on everyone’s mind was Social Security. For many seniors and caregivers, it’s not just a government program—it’s their lifeline.
Iowa is aging fast. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, one in four residents is over 60 years old. With so many people depending on Social Security, uncertainty in Washington, D.C., is causing real stress at the local level.
“Daymares” Over Lost Benefits
For Anne Bacon, Social Security brings more than just monthly help—it brings daily worry. She receives $1,600 every month from Social Security, which she uses to care for her brother Rick Clark, who has dementia and needs 24-hour care.
“Every day I’m worried that somehow he’ll lose his care,” Bacon told CBS News.
In January, Anne didn’t receive her expected Social Security check. She called the agency, but was put on hold for over six hours—twice. When she finally spoke to someone, the problem was fixed in just a few minutes, but the delay shows how frustrating the system can be.
Long Wait Times and Staffing Cuts
The average wait time to speak with Social Security has doubled over the past six months, now averaging 104 minutes per call.
John Hale, a former Social Security worker with 25 years of experience, now advocates for seniors and people with disabilities through the Hale Group with his wife, Terri Hale.
“It’s not just retirement benefits,” he said. “It’s also about survivors’ benefits and payments for people with disabilities.”
But service quality may worsen. Last month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced plans to cut around 7,000 jobs, about 12% of its workforce. This comes at a time when the agency already faces increased workloads and aging infrastructure.
New Identity Rules and Online-Only Changes
On top of staffing problems, the SSA recently introduced new rules for beneficiaries:
- In-person identity verification will be required for most new and existing users (with some exceptions). After facing criticism, SSA delayed the new rule’s launch to April 14.
- Banking details (like direct deposit info) can no longer be updated by phone. People must now use the SSA website or visit a local office to make changes. The SSA says this is to prevent fraud, but many seniors say it’s making things harder.
Billionaires in Charge? Concerns Over DOGE and SSA
There are growing concerns about how Social Security is being managed, especially after President Trump nominated Frank Bisignano to run the SSA.
Bisignano was questioned about the possible role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in SSA decisions. DOGE is run by billionaire Elon Musk, and many worry that people with no need for Social Security are now involved in deciding its future.
“There’s a bunch of billionaires making decisions about this service who will never need it,” said Terri Hale. “They are out of touch with the real world.”
For millions of Americans—especially in aging states like Iowa—Social Security isn’t optional. It’s essential. With rule changes, long wait times, job cuts, and powerful outsiders influencing decisions, many people feel nervous about the future of the program they rely on.
While officials promise improvements, many families are asking a simple question: Will help still be there when they need it the most?