The Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE)’s incursion into the Social Security Administration is threatening to slow or even unravel the system that provided income to about 73 million Americans last month.
The Elon Musk-led effort to eradicate purported fraud at the agency long known as the “third rail” of American politics could jeopardize the SSA’s ability to execute its core mission — and the financial stability of elderly and disabled people across the country.
What the richest person in the world has called the “biggest Ponzi scheme of all time” is a lifeline for some of the U.S.’s most vulnerable residents.
As of December 2024, roughly nine in 10 Americans over the age of 65 and millions of people with disabilities receive benefits from the system.
The average benefit last month was around $1,800, according to the SSA.
The Trump administration announced last month that it would cut its workforce by about 7,000 employees — or 12% of its staff of about 57,000.
It also said it would close six of its 10 regional offices, leaving only four. Amid rampant cuts, employees have fled, contributing to a loss of expertise.
Cuts to phone services that would typically take two years to implement have been rushed at the White House’s request, acting commissioner Leland Dudek told Social Security advocates in a Monday meeting.
Customer calls have emerged, the Washington Post reported Tuesday, prompting long wait times for callers dialing into strained offices, where employees have few answers to give on recent changes.
President Trump has vowed not to “touch Social Security,” even as his administration has pushed more changes.
Former SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley cautioned in an interview with CNBC.com that DOGE’s interference could put monthly benefits at risk.
“Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits,” he said.
“People should start saving now,” he added.
Here’s what to know.
What is Social Security, and who qualifies for it?
One of the signature policy achievements of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, Social Security is widely considered to be “one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in our nation’s history.”
It provides retired workers with a fixed monthly income.
Disabled workers and their dependents accounted for 10.5% of the total benefits paid last year, and survivors of deceased workers accounted for 11%, according to a Social Security fact sheet.
The SSA predicts about one in four 20-year-olds today will become disabled and will be entitled to disabled worker benefits before the age of 67.
By the SSA’s estimate, among beneficiaries 65 and older, 12% of men and 15% of women rely on Social Security for at least 90% of their income.
