Protect Social Security Benefits

Updates

March 19, 2025: In response to (debunked) claims of widespread fraud, the Social Security Administration will begin to require recipients to visit offices in-person to make changes to their direct deposit information. The SSA is also prepared to shut down dozens of offices around the country.

March 18, 2025: A troubling leaked memo details plans for the Social Security Administration to make changes to its phone service that would seriously disrupt payments and service to millions of Americans, particularly those with disabilities, living abroad or in rural communities.

Social Security is an umbrella term for a social safety net program that provides monthly payments to older adults who have retired from the workforce and their families as well as people with disabilities of all ages and work histories. While Trump has repeatedly promised there will be no cuts to Social Security, this promise has proved to be a lie, even with government budget cuts still pending. By slashing the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) workforce up to 50%, Elon Musk’s DOGE endangers SSA’s ability to administer retirement and disability benefits to 72.5 million people. In addition, DOGE is planning to shutter hundreds of local and regional offices that assist people with Social Security enrollment and resolving errors. These office closures will disproportionately affect people who are poor, disabled, have low literacy, or don’t have access to or skills with computers. SSA office lease terminations are currently concentrated in the South and are expected across the country.

The SSA has not missed a benefit payment in 80 years. Former SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley stated that he believes the workforce cuts will “lead to a total system collapse” and disruption of benefits within 30-90 days. Congress must immediately condemn these attacks on a safety net system that is a literal lifeline for millions of vulnerable Americans.