The Social Security program has been a vital source of income for retired Americans since 1935. But now, growing concerns about the program’s future are making many people nervous. Because of this, more Americans are starting to claim their Social Security benefits earlier than planned – even if it means getting less money in the long run.
Why Is There So Much Fear Around Social Security Right Now?
The current administration has made big changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA), mainly through a new group called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These changes include job cuts, new rules, and major tech problems that have made it harder for people to get help or information.
To make things worse, experts have warned that the Social Security fund may not be able to pay full benefits after 2035 if things don’t improve. This has caused fear among millions of people who depend on Social Security now—or are planning to use it in the future.
People Are Claiming Benefits Early—But It Comes at a Cost
A growing number of Americans are applying for Social Security earlier than expected. Last month, over 580,000 new claims were made, compared to about 500,000 the same time last year. Usually, there’s a small drop in early-year claims, but this time the numbers jumped.
SSA employees shared during an internal meeting that many people are flooding local offices with questions and requests. Some are even asking for printed earnings records, which are already available online—just to feel more secure.
“They’re nervous,” one employee said.
The Fear May Be Real, But It Could Be Costly
There are other reasons behind the increase in early claims too. A large number of baby boomers are now retiring. Also, the Social Security Fairness Act, signed in January, may have led more public workers to file for benefits.
Still, experts are warning Americans not to panic. If you claim your Social Security benefits too early, you could lose out on thousands of dollars over time.
For example, if you wait until age 70 to claim, you could get up to $5,108 a month in benefits. But if you start at 62, the maximum is only $2,831. That’s a big difference.
What Should You Do Instead?
Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, says the right thing to do isn’t to rush your claim. Instead, she urges people to contact their elected officials and demand that they protect Social Security. Oversight and proper management are key to keeping the program stable.
Claiming too early should be a personal choice based on your actual needs—not just fear.
Social Security is under stress due to job cuts, rule changes, and tech issues. At the same time, worries about future funding are pushing more people to file early. While these fears are understandable, acting out of panic could mean smaller checks for life. Experts say it’s better to plan carefully and speak up to protect the program, rather than making rushed decisions.