For over eight decades, Social Security has never failed to deliver monthly benefit payments to eligible Americans. However, recent developments at the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) under the oversight of Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are raising alarms about the stability of these critical payments. Former SSA Commissioner and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has warned that more than 72.5 million Americans could see their benefits interrupted.
Warnings of a system collapse
O’Malley recently told CNBC that he foresees a collapse of the system within the next 30 to 90 days.
“Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits,” O’Malley stated. “I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days.”
To prepare for potential disruptions, he advised beneficiaries to start setting aside savings as a precautionary measure.
Technology and staffing issues threaten operations
The SSA relies on multiple technology systems to process benefits, many of which Musk has criticized for inefficiencies. When serving as commissioner, O’Malley requested additional funding from Congress to modernize these systems, but those funds never materialized. Now, DOGE officials are making internal changes that include significant staffing reductions, leading to increased system outages.
According to O’Malley, these IT disruptions could become more frequent and prolonged, eventually resulting in a total system failure.
As of press time, neither the SSA nor the White House had responded to requests for comment regarding these concerns.
Leadership shakeups and uncertainty
The Department of Government Efficiency is not an official federal agency, and Musk, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump to oversee DOGE, is not an elected official. Since its inception, DOGE has focused on slashing government spending, which has led to significant upheaval within SSA leadership.
In recent months, acting SSA Commissioner Michelle King resigned following a reported dispute over DOGE’s access to sensitive agency data. O’Malley also stepped down in November to pursue the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, a race he ultimately lost.
To replace them, Trump has nominated Frank Bisignano, CEO of financial technology company Fiserv, to serve as the next SSA commissioner. However, Bisignano has yet to undergo Senate confirmation. In the meantime, Lee Dudek has been named acting commissioner. However, Dudek has already been placed on administrative leave for reportedly assisting DOGE representatives in agency operations, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Who is at risk of losing benefits?
Many experts warn that the SSA’s restructuring under the Trump administration could put Social Security benefits at risk. Jill Hornick, a union official with the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1395, which represents SSA workers in Illinois, described the situation as dire.
“The American public needs to understand that one of their major social safety nets is in jeopardy,” Hornick said.
For those already receiving Social Security, payments are largely automated and may not face immediate interruptions. However, new claims, including those for retirement and disability benefits, could be significantly delayed due to reduced staffing.
Hornick noted that SSA employees play a crucial role in processing applications. For instance, a widow applying for survivor benefits must submit a marriage license, which an SSA worker must review and verify before benefits can be approved. Without staff to handle such tasks, delays will be inevitable.
Office closures and reduced access to services
DOGE’s cost-cutting measures include closing SSA offices across the country. According to Rich Couture, spokesperson for the AFGE SSA General Committee, about 45 Social Security locations are set to have their leases terminated.
These closures could have serious consequences for beneficiaries, especially those in rural areas. Many of these offices handle disability hearings and general services, meaning closures could make it even more difficult for applicants to access necessary support.
Congressman John Larson (D-Conn.) called the office closures a “backdoor benefit cut.”
“Laying off half of the workforce at the Social Security Administration and shuttering field offices will mean delay, disruption, and denial of benefits,” Larson said in a recent statement.
Legal challenges and public pressure
The SSA has denied setting any specific reduction targets for staffing, despite reports indicating that up to 50% of its workforce could be cut.
In response, unions representing SSA employees have been filing legal challenges against the agency’s recent decisions. However, these cases are expected to take time to resolve, especially as the courts are already overwhelmed with lawsuits related to Trump administration policies.
Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy organization, believes that the strongest opposition may come from the American public.
“The biggest results may come from the pressure American voters could put on elected officials,” O’Malley added.
As uncertainty looms over the future of Social Security, millions of Americans are left wondering whether the benefits they depend on will continue uninterrupted.
