Former SSA Chiefs Warn: Social Security Payments at Risk Due to DOGE Workforce Cuts
Former Social Security Administration (SSA) commissioners Martin O'Malley and Michael Astrue warn that recent workforce reductions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could disrupt Social Security payments for millions of Americans.
Hand holding Social Security card
The SSA currently serves approximately 70 million Americans, with numbers expected to increase as more baby boomers retire. These cuts come at a critical time when service demands are rising significantly.
Key concerns include:
- Potential delays in benefit payments
- Increased wait times for customer service
- Risk of errors in claim processing
- Reduced ability to manage complex technical systems
Social Security office exterior view
"Social Security isn't just another government service; it's a lifeline for millions of people. Any disruption could have immediate and catastrophic consequences," states O'Malley.
Beneficiaries are already experiencing:
- Longer wait times for assistance
- Difficulty accessing support services
- Increased uncertainty about payment processing
Michael Astrue emphasizes that skilled staff are crucial for maintaining Social Security's infrastructure and ensuring timely benefit disbursement. "Beneficiaries should not be subjected to uncertainty or anxiety about receiving payments they earned through decades of work."
The situation requires immediate attention from policymakers to ensure the SSA maintains adequate staffing and resources to fulfill its critical mission of supporting millions of Americans who depend on these benefits for daily living.