The DOGE honorary secretariat, led by Donald Trump and Elon Musk, is pushing for significant changes to the Social Security Administration, which is in charge of handling payments for 73 million Americans. The planned changes might have an impact on important services, particularly for older folks and those with disabilities, who account for about 90% of those over the age of 65 who rely on Social Security.
The agency declared a few months ago that it would reduce its employment by 12%, a figure Musk predicted would be achieved in May, resulting in the removal of 7,000 people via voluntary resignations and layoffs. In addition, six of the ten regional offices will shut, including the Transformation Office, which was established to modernize procedures via the use of digital technologies.
Social Security services and benefits at risk
Trump and Musk claim that SSA “waste, fraud, and abuse” must be addressed, but they do not want to cut benefits. Regional agencies are closing in states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The scope of the benefit reduction is unknown, but some anticipate that money for the SSA budget may be compromised. To present, the average Social Security retirement payout is $1,976, with a maximum of $5,108 available to those meeting the necessary qualifications.
SSA tightens requirements: It may now be more difficult to qualify
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will introduce new identification verification methods beginning March 31. According to authorities, recipients will be unable to authenticate their identification over the phone and would need to utilize the “My Social Security” site or visit local offices in person. The change will effect both new applicants and those who update their direct deposit information.
The agency would also shorten the processing period for direct deposit modifications, from 30 days to one working day. This change will apply to both online and in-person processes. “Social Security loses more than $100 million per year due to deposit fraud,” said Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek at a media briefing.
Dudek pointed out that existing authentication techniques are insecure since “the information used is already in the public domain.” The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) warns that the in-person verification requirement would disproportionately affect older folks in rural locations, those with impairments, and those with limited mobility.
Representative John Larson attacked the idea, saying, “Requiring seniors to register online or in offices that plan to close creates chaos.” The Social Security Administration has announced the closing of 47 locations in states such as Arkansas, Texas, and Florida, as well as the layoff of thousands of workers, as part of a reorganization plan.
