The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has always ensured that millions of Americans receive their benefits on time. However, former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley warns that recent changes could threaten this reliability.
For more than 80 years, Social Security has never missed a payment. But now, O’Malley claims that actions taken by Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) might put payments for over 72.5 million Americans at risk.
Why Are Benefits at Risk?
According to O’Malley, DOGE’s cost-cutting measures at SSA are causing major disruptions. The agency has already experienced system outages, and with continued staff reductions, these outages could become longer and more frequent. This could lead to a complete “system collapse,” he warns, resulting in missed or delayed Social Security payments within the next 30 to 90 days.
What Should Beneficiaries Do?
O’Malley advises Social Security recipients to start saving immediately. Since the SSA relies on multiple technologies to process payments, the risk of failure increases as DOGE implements further cuts. O’Malley had previously requested more funding for IT upgrades, but those improvements were never made.
Leadership Changes at Social Security
Leadership at the SSA has been unstable due to DOGE’s interference. Acting Commissioner Michelle King recently resigned after a dispute over DOGE’s access to sensitive data. O’Malley also stepped down last year to run for the Democratic National Committee chair but lost the race.
President Donald Trump has nominated Frank Bisignano, CEO of Fiserv, as the new SSA Commissioner, but he has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. In the meantime, Lee Dudek is serving as acting commissioner.
Who Will Be Affected the Most?
Experts predict that existing Social Security payments will continue, as they are mostly automated. However, new applications for benefits—such as retirement and disability claims—may face serious delays.
Union official Jill Hornick warns that cuts to SSA staff will make it harder to process claims. For example, a widow filing for survivor benefits must submit a marriage certificate, which an SSA employee must verify. With fewer workers, these processes will take longer, leaving many Americans in financial limbo.
Office Closures Could Make Matters Worse
DOGE has proposed closing at least 45 SSA locations, including busy field offices. If these closures happen, in-person services will become less accessible, especially for elderly and disabled individuals who rely on SSA offices for assistance.
Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) called these changes a “backdoor benefit cut,” warning that reduced staffing and office closures will delay, disrupt, or even deny benefits.
What Can Be Done?
Advocacy groups and unions are challenging DOGE’s actions in court, but legal battles take time. Former Commissioner O’Malley urges Americans to put pressure on their elected officials to prevent further harm to Social Security.
“These are earned benefits,” O’Malley emphasized. “People have worked their whole lives for them, and they shouldn’t have to fight to receive what they’re owed.”
Conclusion
Social Security benefits have always been reliable, but major changes under DOGE could threaten their stability. Experts urge beneficiaries to prepare for possible delays and disruptions. With legal and political battles ahead, the fate of Social Security now depends on public pressure and government action.
