DOGE slashes SSA workforce, leaving millions to wait for benefits amid crisis

Washington D.C. – The Trump administration, under the leadership of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is intensifying its attacks on the Social Security Administration (SSA), placing critical benefits that 1 in 5 Americans rely on in jeopardy. In a recent move, the SSA announced plans to cut 7,000 jobs, slashing the agency’s already depleted staff. This decision comes as the number of beneficiaries continues to rise, leaving the agency with fewer resources to meet growing demands.

With the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age, a record number of Americans are retiring each year, making it an especially critical time for Social Security systems to function smoothly. Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley warned that these cuts could cripple the SSA’s ability to process claims and distribute benefits, leading to catastrophic consequences. If delays or disruptions to benefit payments occur, millions of vulnerable Americans could face immediate financial hardship.

A recent survey revealed that 42% of Americans over age 65 rely on Social Security retirement benefits for basic necessities like food, clothing, and housing. Additionally, over 11 million disabled Americans under the age of 65 depend on Social Security disability benefits, which are subject to strict eligibility rules. For these recipients, even a brief delay in payments could mean the difference between survival and financial collapse.

The cuts, which reduce staffing and restrict overtime, will further worsen the SSA’s already overloaded systems. Staff members are already struggling to process retirement claims, with an aging IT infrastructure frequently experiencing outages. Over 1 million Americans are currently waiting for an initial decision on their disability claims, and many have been forced into financial distress while they wait. For many, that means racking up credit card debt or selling their homes to make ends meet.

The cuts will also erode customer service, which is essential for claimants. Just this week, the SSA announced it would no longer allow claimants to change their direct deposit arrangements over the phone, requiring them to either visit a field office or use the internet. For senior citizens, who make up the majority of claimants, this presents a significant barrier. Many seniors lack broadband internet access, and field office closures—fueled by rumors of Musk’s plans—could further limit access to vital services.

These actions align with broader Republican rhetoric targeting Social Security. President Trump’s recent address to Congress claimed “shocking levels of incompetence and probably fraud” within the program, echoing Musk’s frequent criticism of Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Meanwhile, right-wing groups such as the Republican Study Committee have advocated for cutting benefits, including raising the retirement age.

Every month, over 70 million Americans depend on their Social Security benefits. For many, these payments are the difference between financial security and disaster. By dismantling the SSA and imposing severe cuts, the Trump administration risks destabilizing this vital program, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing the support they rely on for survival.