Social Security rule reversals, office closures, cost cuts: Here’s what’s happening now

The Social Security Administration is about to get a new commissioner, but that’s only the latest of a series of changes at the agency since the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Frank Bisignano, CEO of the financial technology firm Fiserv, is poised for approval as the upcoming administrator of the Social Security Administration. Following his hearing towards the end of March, the Senate Finance Committee moved forward with his nomination, and currently, they await setting a date for the concluding vote. Should he take up this position, he will face an organization that has experienced multiple transformations within just 60 days, alterations spearheaded by what’s referred to as the Department of Government Efficiency. These modifications aim to eliminate "fraud, waste, and abuse" from the Social Security system.

Social Security has been at the forefront since the start of the year. In January, President Joe Biden approved the Social Security Fairness Act, removing two clauses that previously restricted certain recipients' benefit amounts. However, most significant changes this year were implemented during the Trump administration. Under Elon Musk’s leadership—Musk being the head of both Twitter (formerly known as X) and CEO of Tesla—the organization has dismantled two divisions within the agency and initiated new staffing offerings. buyouts and early retirements And have oscillated between different new procedures, such as those for identity confirmation and for obtaining Social Security numbers for infants just born.

Since the beginning of this year, these are the developments that have occurred at the Social Security Administration. We will continue updating this piece with the most recent news related to Social Security as they come available.

Jan. 5: President Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act

At the close of his term earlier this year, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act , a legislation aimed at abolishing the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset rules, which both diminished benefits for retirees receiving specific types of public pensions. This change sought to address inequalities faced by these individuals. 3 million people Including public school teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers, individuals' benefits will be enhanced with this modification. The legislation additionally included a provision for one year of retroactive benefits.

Feb. 16: Elon Musk claims that millions of deceased individuals continue to receive benefits.

Musk tweeted on X stating that numerous individuals aged over 100, even up to 200 years old, have been benefiting from certain programs. He humorously suggested, "Perhaps Twilight has some truth after all since many supposed 'vampires' seem to be claiming Social Security," accompanied by an infographic indicating the alleged count of beneficiaries within these age groups.

On Feb. 19, Leland Dudek assumes the role of interim commissioner.

Following reports that she allegedly declined to provide confidential Social Security information to DOGE staff members, Michelle King, who previously served as the acting commissioner, stepped down Leland Dudek, a long-time intermediate-level worker at Social Security, was appointed As the interim SSA commissioner until Bisignano receives confirmation.

In a statement After assuming his position, Dudek stated that he intended to maintain transparency. The SSA’s main focus remained ensuring that recipients receive accurate benefit amounts promptly along with delivering essential services. Additionally, he mentioned that DOGE staff members wouldn’t have the authority to modify agency systems, adjust benefit disbursements, or alter any related details; they also won't gain access to records concerning court-imposed temporary restraining orders. "With DOGE’s assistance and the dedication of our leadership team and employees, I believe Social Security will keep serving the needs of Americans," he expressed confidently.

Dudek also responded to Musk's statements about centenarians receiving benefits. "The information provided refers to individuals in our database who possess a Social Security number but lack an associated date of death," he explained. "These persons are not necessarily benefit recipients." according to an Associated Press report .

Feb. 21: Social Security cuts research cooperative and shifts responsibilities

The agency announced It decided to end the Retirement and Disability Research Consortium cooperative agreement, through which it collaborated with researchers concentrating on diversity, equity, and inclusion within Social Security policies. The termination of this pact will result in a savings of $15 million for the agency in fiscal year 2025, according to their statement.

SSA put out a second statement On February 21, they mentioned shifting responsibilities previously held by the Office of Analytics, Review, and Oversight to different sections within the organization. This move aimed at "reducing hierarchical levels of management, enhancing data exchange with critical Social Security units, and accelerating efforts to detect fraud, waste, and misuse along with applying necessary remedies."

Feb. 24: The Social Security Administration reduces the Office of Transformation

At the start of the week, the SSA stated it was shuttering The Office of Transformation, criticized by opponents of DOGE, was tasked with enhancing the management and technological aspects of the program. This department came into existence during the Biden administration.

Feb. 25: The Social Security Administration reduces funding for the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity

The very next day after declaring the abolition of the Office of Transformation, the SSA stated it would closing The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity would be reassigned, with its duties such as handling Equal Employment Opportunity grievances and performing " statutorily mandated responsibilities," being distributed to various sections within the organization.

Feb. 25: Social Security accelerates back-payments and adjustments for numerous recipients.

The SSA mentioned that it had already started issuing retroactive payments along with higher monthly benefit amounts to those impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.

The SSA had earlier indicated that it might take up to a year for these modifications to become visible, however, Dudek stated statement That timeline would exclusively pertain to "complex cases that cannot be handled through automation."

“The American people deserve to get their due benefits as quickly as possible,” he said.

Feb. 27: Social Security provides workers choices for leaving

To reorganize the agency, the SSA is undertaking efforts. announced it was offering employees numerous ways to leave, including voluntary separation or early retirement. Workers could also sign up to be reassigned from what the agency deemed non-mission-critical positions to mission-critical ones. The deadline for voluntary reassignment and for voluntary separation, which would pay out up to $25,000 depending on the employee’s General Schedule, or GS, level, was March 14. The deadline for voluntary early retirement, or VERA, is Dec. 31.

The agency further mentioned that involuntary reassignments might occur as well.

Feb. 28: Social Security announces a goal of cutting 7,000 workers — and refutes a rumor

After reports swirled that the SSA planned to cut as much as 50% of its workforce, the agency announced it had a goal of cutting the number of employees from 57,000 to 50,000, a 12% reduction. In its announcement, the agency said the rumor of a 50% reduction was false.

“Social Security anticipates that much of the staff reductions needed to reach the target of 50,000 will come from retirement, VSIP , and resignation,” the SSA said VSIP refers to Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments, which are one-time financial bonuses provided to employees who choose to exit their jobs voluntarily. The statement also noted that further cuts may result from Reduction-in-Force (RIF) measures, potentially involving the elimination of departments and roles.

The SSA additionally mentioned it was reducing its regional office structure from 10 regions to just four.

"These steps emphasize customer service by eliminating excessive managerial levels, cutting down on tasks not central to the mission, and possibly relocating staff to roles focused on customer service," it stated.

March 3: SSA lists measures it says are aimed at cutting costs

As part of the stated mission to identify fraud, waste and abuse, the SSA said it had identified numerous ways to cut costs, including on information technology, contracts and grants, non-public-facing real estate, security guards, printing and postage, and travel. “For too long, SSA has operated on autopilot,” Dudek said .

On March 4, millions of backward-looking payments begin for specific recipients.

The SSA astonished numerous recipients by beginning to distribute retroactive payments to individuals impacted by the Social Security Fairness Act.

By March 4th, the SSA had distributed over $7.5 billion in retroactive payments to more than 1.1 million individuals, resulting in an average back-payment amount of $6,710 per person.

“President Trump made it very clear he wanted the Social Security Fairness Act to be implemented as quickly as possible,” Dudek said in a statement. “We met that challenge head on and are proudly delivering for the American people.”

March 4: President Trump speaks to Congress

In his first speech Since his inauguration in January, President Trump has repeatedly told Congress the incorrect statement that the Social Security Administration (SSA) was disbursing funds to numerous deceased recipients.

"We're also uncovering alarming instances of ineptitude and potential fraud within the Social Security program for our elders, who depend on this support," Trump stated.

The president continued by listing the number of individuals in their hundreds and those over two hundred years old whom he asserted continue to receive payments from the organization. "We possess a healthier country "As I expected, Bobby," he remarked, referring to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

March 5: SSA tackles misinformation regarding deceased recipients

The day following the president's speech to Congress, the SSA announced that the records in question pertained to individuals aged 100 years and above who lacked a recorded date of death. The agency stated, "Even though these individuals might not currently receive benefits, it remains crucial for us to keep comprehensive and precise records."

Read this terview with John Svahn SSA commissioner under President Reagan, instrumental in reforming Social Security in the early '80s.

March 6: 'Day to Shut Down Scams'

To prevent scams targeting beneficiaries, the Social Security Administration collaborated with its Office of the Inspector General to increase public awareness. “Slam the Scam Day.”

Scams related to Social Security frequently lead to identity theft and financial losses for people. Often, criminals attempt to pressure individuals into sending money through cash, wires, or gift cards under the pretense of resolving issues with the individual’s Social Security account.

The agency stated, "Impersonation scams targeting Social Security affect individuals across all age ranges and continue to be among the most frequently reported government impostor schemes to the Federal Trade Commission." They also noted, "Social Security is actively tackling this problem with comprehensive awareness campaigns and thorough investigation efforts."

The Social Security Administration stated that they do not reach out to people regarding suspended numbers or demand instant payments. They further clarified that they would never threaten to detain someone, solicit credit card or debit card details via telephone, or request wire transfers, gift cards, gold, cash, or cryptocurrencies.

On March 7, the SSA revoked its regulation concerning Social Security number issuance for newborns in Maine.

Following significant public criticism, the SSA overturned a policy they had introduced that would have required parents to newborn babies in Maine To go to an office personally for applying for your baby’s Social Security number. Generally, parents have the option to register for a Social Security number at the hospital or birthing location through the agency’s Enumeration at Birth service.

Dudek instructed the SSA to terminate both the Enumeration at Birth program and the Electronic Death Registry, which provides the agency with reported death records, according to him.

“Looking back, I recognize that terminating these agreements placed an excessive strain on the residents of Maine, something that was never intended,” Dudek stated. “I offer my apologies for this and have instructed that both contracts be promptly reinstituted.”

The timing made the SSA’s initial decision to cancel those programs all the more controversial, as it came just weeks after Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, and President Trump publicly sparred over the issue of transgender athletes, the Associated Press reported .

March 7: SSA revokes Obama-Biden era regulations on recovering overpayments

The problem with overpayments from the Social Security Administration isn’t recent; for many years, they have inadvertently provided excess funds to certain recipients, later reclaiming these amounts. Under a regulation established during President Joe Biden’s administration, the standard recovery rate—or the portion reclaimed—was fixed at 10% of each beneficiary’s monthly payment until the full overpayment was settled. Previously, this rate stood at an entirety of one check per month. On March 7, the SSA declared it was reinstating the 100% recovery rate .

The agency said it would start mailing notices about the new rule on March 27, and that it would only apply to new overpayments. The 100% rate will automatically apply to affected individuals after that date, although beneficiaries can contact the SSA to request a lower rate or appeal the decision or amount, the agency said in its announcement .

The withholding rate for Supplemental Security Income overpayments will remain 10%, the agency said.

March 12: SSA 'sets the record straight' regarding phone services

Following media reports that the SSA was discontinuing telephone services, the agency issued a statement. a statement by removing "the chance of fraud connected to altering bank account details over the phone."

Approximately 40% of Social Security direct-deposit fraud cases involve someone contacting the agency to update banking details, a process that can proceed once the SSA has verified identities using certain security questions. The SSA announced that those wishing to alter their bank-account information with the organization must now opt for two-factor authentication via their online "my Social Security" portal or personally go to an SSA location to confirm their identification.

March 13: The agency launches a new AI program today.

The Social Security Administration stated that they would achieve savings of $5 million annually and assist 500,000 recipients each year by introducing an AI-generated tool named Hearing Recording and Transcripts, known as HRT. HeaRT The program involves updating the hardware in their hearing offices and aims to record and generate transcripts for cases regardless of whether they occur in person, over the phone, or through video calls. According to the agency, this change should minimize delays or cancellations caused by equipment malfunctions or technological problems, thus ensuring speedier proceedings for the general public. The national implementation was scheduled for March 17th.

March 16: Follow-ups from SSA regarding inaccurate death records

Over 3 million fatalities are annually recorded by the SSA, and the organization asserts that its data is "very precise," as stated by the agency itself. new statement "Out of the millions of death reports received annually, fewer than 0.3% are incorrect reports that require correction," it stated.

The SSA then proceeded to describe the process for reporting fatalities — through funeral homes, federal agencies, financial institutions, and family members — and detailed the steps one should take if an individual is incorrectly marked as deceased by the agency.

The notification was issued one day later. the Seattle Times profiled an individual the organization was tracking deemed to be dead "You find yourself waking up only to realize you're deceased," Ned Johnson recounted to the newspaper. The Social Security Administration (SSA) had dispatched a letter to Mr. Johnson’s spouse informing them of their husband's supposed demise and demanding the return of his benefits, funds they had already withdrawn from his bank account. As per when this article came out, the SSA had reclaimed the benefits for December and January but hadn’t issued those for February and March yet.

Cases where someone is incorrectly declared dead to Social Security can have [devastating] consequences for the affected individual, their spouse, and dependents," stated the SSA in its March 16 press release. "In such instances, benefits are temporarily halted causing immediate financial strain until they are reinstated, and navigating the process to rectify this error often feels excessively prolonged and difficult.

March 18: The SSA announces it will enhance identity verification procedures.

As part of ongoing efforts to fight theft, the agency announced improvements to its security protocols regarding identity verification. This will require customers to utilize their "my Social Security" online profiles or visit one of their offices. in person When modifying direct deposit information or filing for benefits.

The agency stated it would quickly process direct deposit modifications nearly instantaneously—reducing the time to just one business day for both online submissions and in-person requests—from an alleged previous duration of up to 30 days for online updates alone.

The SSA mentioned it will handle the transition gradually. two-week period However, they mentioned that people unable to access the website could begin the process over the phone. It was noted that these individuals would still need to complete their identity verification in person.

March 19: The SSA states it is reducing further expenses.

The organization mentioned it was cutting operational expenses and improving the Electronic Consent-Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service. They added they would keep involving stakeholders in both the development and implementation of this service, noting plans for frequent gatherings and calls for input.

Is privatization being considered? Critics of the modifications related to DOGE at the Social Security Administration have raised concerns saying the agency is on the path leading to job losses and transitioning to a privatized system.

March 20: Approximately 3 million individuals will not receive Social Security cards.

The SSA’s Enumeration Beyond Entry program was temporarily halted for noncitizens with work authorization as well as recently naturalized U.S. citizens, according to the newsletter. Popular Information The suspension—which was stated to be open-ended—would prevent the issuance of Social Security cards to these individuals, impacting possibly millions of employees according to the newsletter.

In 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which collaborated with the SSA on this initiative, approved documentation for over 3 million people .

When the report was released, the SSA stated in an email that they were "closely monitoring" the situation and would "offer updates when necessary."

March 20: DOGE received a provisional injunction regarding SSA data

A federal judge in Maryland handed down a ruling temporary restraining order to halt the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to Social Security data. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander also said in her order that DOGE staffers must delete any SSA data they had already collected.

"The DOGE team is basically conducting a witch hunt at SSA, looking for an alleged fraud spree, primarily fueled by speculation," she stated. wrote . “It has launched a search for the proverbial needle in the haystack, without any concrete knowledge that the needle is actually in the haystack.”

March 20: Howard Lutnick says only “fraudsters” would be upset about a missed check

President Trump has frequently stated that recipients' Social Security payments would remain unaffected by the latest modifications, a claim also made by various authorities such as Dudek and Bisignano. However, in a YouTube conversation with the "All-In" podcast, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick mentioned a theoretical scenario where these benefits might not be distributed to those entitled to them.

"Suppose Social Security didn't issue their checks this month," Lutnick stated. during the discussion My mother-in-law, at 94 years old, would never make a complaint over the phone. Never. Instead, she'd assume there was some mix-up and wait until the following month to resolve it.

A con artist," he explained, would be bothered by the missing check. "Anyone familiar with the payment system and process flow understands that the simplest method to identify a con artist is to halt transactions and observe." He continued, "Exactly. Because the person raising objections is likely the one engaged in theft.

March 20: The SSA stops collecting payments from Treasury due to the pandemic pause.

In the midst of all of the changes under way, the SSA added another twist: resuming debt collections that had been paused during the pandemic.

The agency said it was reinstating the Treasury Offset Program, or TOP, which is “designed to collect delinquent debts owed to federal and state agencies by intercepting Federal and state payments.” It said the “immediate resumption” would be for debts accrued prior to March 2020.

TOP isn’t a recent initiative—the SSA has been sending debts to this program since 1992—but it was halted in 2020 due to the pandemic. Before being paused, the agency managed to recover nearly $2 billion. "This program is crucial for upholding the integrity of both the OASDI and SSI programs," stated the SSA.

March 21: Dudek Threatens Temporary Closure of SSA — Then Reverses Stance

In reaction to a judge's directive for the SSA to cease sharing personal information of individuals with DOGE employees, Dudek informed various media outlets about his stance. could potentially close down the organization .

“Really, I want to turn it off and let the courts figure out how they want to run a federal agency,” Dudek said in a news report.

Later that same day, Dudek withdrew his earlier statement, indicating that the agency would remain operational. "President Trump endorses maintaining Social Security offices open and ensuring that each individual receives their correct benefits promptly," Dudek stated. a statement At that moment, "SSA staff along with their duties will proceed despite the [temporary restraining order]."

March 24: The SSA expresses desire for increased transparency

The Social Security Administration announced it will raise “transparency and accountability,” For example, by hosting weekly operational update meetings online and offering a concise list of agency activities.

The SSA claims increased transparency through several avenues including an online performance portal that monitors metrics like call waiting periods for their 800-number line. Additionally, they have introduced a workforce update section designed to provide details about staff reductions via voluntary separations and early retirement programs. There’s also an FAQ segment dedicated to explaining procedures for verifying identities.

March 25: Bisignano undergoes his confirmation hearing

Frank Bisignano, nominated by Trump for the role of Commissioner of the SSA, had his hearing Before the Senate Finance Committee, senators grilled him regarding his commitment to upholding the law, ensuring timely benefit disbursements for recipients, his experience in the tech sector, and the potential closure of local field offices within their states. Bisignano, who serves as the CEO of the financial technology firm Fiserv until either June 30th or upon his confirmation—whichever happens sooner—stated that his main focus would be guaranteeing accurate and punctual payment distributions to beneficiaries.

Interested in getting an inside look at what goes on in Social Security offices nowadays? Reporter Beth Pinsker had a conversation with some beneficiaries. during a visit to a single site in New York and conversed with an experienced team member overwhelmed with the job lately.

March 26: The SSA partly reverses its identity-verification rules

In response to pushback over its latest identity-verification rules, the SSA said requirements to come to an office in person would not apply to people applying for disability insurance, Medicare or Supplemental Social Insurance benefits.

"We have heard feedback from our customers, Congress, advocacy groups, and others, and we are revising our policy to enhance customer service for the nation’s most vulnerable communities," Dudek stated. a statement .

The SSA additionally announced that it was delaying the implementation date of this policy by two weeks until April 14. It stated that it wouldn’t apply online or in-person identity checks in "critical circumstances," like those involving individuals with terminal conditions or people scheduled for release from incarceration (benefits get halted when someone is imprisoned for over thirty days). The agency noted, "We're presently working out a procedure necessitating documentation along with managerial consent to waive the policy under these critical scenarios." This information came during their official statement.

March 27: The SSA alerts healthcare providers to the assistance it offers.

The SSA announced a “renewed emphasis” The possibility for healthcare providers to engage with their Health Information Technology initiative was highlighted. Through this program, the organization acquires medical records directly from these providers. The use of electronic data exchange facilitates quicker determinations of disability for applicants, thereby enabling them to receive benefits sooner, as stated by the agency.

I have spearheaded the revitalization of the Health IT initiative because it provides advantages for all stakeholders—SSA, our clients, healthcare providers, and U.S. taxpayers," Dudek stated. "Our aim is to securely obtain medical records in a quicker and more efficient manner via this program. I appreciate the healthcare providers who share data with us using Health IT and urge others to collaborate with us.

March 27: The SSA sets the record straight regarding office closures

The SSA stated that recent media reports suggesting the permanent closure of over one field office are inaccurate. are false And it has only declared the permanent shutdown of one hearing office, located in White Plains, N.Y. The SSA mentioned that they sometimes close offices temporarily due to weather conditions, damages, or other issues; however, these sites usually reopen afterward.

DOGE, however, has listed numerous Social Security locations that will be closed, but has not clarified what those spaces are. The SSA said many locations it has sent to the General Services Administration for closure are small hearing rooms with no assigned workers, and said it “no longer needs these underutilized rooms .”

Frank Bisignano mentioned technology and artificial intelligence a few times during his confirmation hearing. Here’s how the Social Security Administration already uses AI , and what more could, should — and shouldn’t — be done.

April 1: Democratic senators set up Social Security ‘war room’

Led by Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts and Ron Wyden from Oregon, they established a “war room” in an effort to fight changes at the SSA. The senators said they would also hold town halls, visit field offices and share beneficiaries’ stories.

“Social Security is under attack. Social Security is under siege. The chainsaw is pointed at [people’s] earned Social Security benefits. We believe Republicans have manufactured a crisis at Social Security,” Wyden said during a news conference.

April 2: Bisignano vote advances to the Senate floor

The Senate Finance Committee voted to advance Bisignano’s confirmation as SSA commissioner to the Senate floor. The vote of 14-13 along party lines was advanced Despite a request from one senator to postpone action until an investigation could be conducted into the whistleblower’s allegations that Bisignano had become involved in SSA matters prior to taking up his new position.

April 8: SSA tackles website disruption on X

On a post on X, the social-media platform previously called Twitter and currently owned by Musk, the SSA stated that their system had crashed. website The outcome was due to "unusually high traffic" on an outdated system. "This is from a 1979 platform," the organization mentioned in their update.

Following critiques attributing the troubles to DOGE’s participation, the organization stated that the disruption was "unrelated" to the Department of Government Efficiency. Critics argue that these difficulties have arisen due to the SSA significantly cutting down its staff at the same time it encourages recipients to alter how they access various services—such as confirming their identification for benefits or updating their direct deposit details.

April 8: SSA introduces new fraud prevention measure for phone services

The agency additionally announced on X that starting from April 14, it would initiate an anti-fraud verification process "for all claims submitted via phone and highlight claims with potential signs of fraud." According to the SSA, individuals whose claims are highlighted must present identification documents in person for processing. Conversely, people whose claims do not raise suspicion won’t face this in-person prerequisite and can proceed remotely.

The SSA declined to comment on how this new system aligns with their earlier stance that most identity verification processes for benefit claims and direct deposit modifications should primarily occur through online channels or in-person visits. However, they noted on X that "the telephone continues to be a valid choice for the public."

April 10: Trump administration cancels some immigrants’ legally obtained Social Security numbers

The Trump administration is canceling the legally obtained Social Security numbers of some immigrant workers and adding those workers to a database of dead people, making it effectively impossible for them to work, hold bank accounts or credit cards, rent homes or carry out other financial activities, according to news reports.

This action is part of the administration’s efforts to tighten restrictions on immigration, with the aim of encouraging these workers to voluntarily leave the country through increased pressure. New York Times cited in the report, reviewing papers accessed by the journal and speaking to six individuals acquainted with the strategies.

April 11: Reports from news organizations highlight a fresh communications approach at SSA

According to news reports, the Social Security Administration may be moving its public communications from press releases on its website to posts on the social-media platform X.

“If you’re used to getting press releases and ‘Dear Colleague’ letters, you might want to subscribe to the official SSA X account so you can stay up to date with agency news,” Linda Kerr-Davis, the agency’s Midwest-West regional commissioner, reportedly said in a call with employees on April 10. “I know this probably sounds very foreign to you — it did to me as well — and not what we are used to, but we are in different times now.”

The SSA reposted a Wired story about the report, saying it was false. “Social Security will continue to communicate through any and all mediums,” the agency said on X .

April 15: Sen. Chuck Schumer calls on Trump to fire SSA acting commissioner

At a press conference alongside senior advocacy groups in New York City, Senator Chuck Schumer, who leads the minority in the Senate, called for Leland Dudek, the acting Social Security Administration commissioner, to either step down from his position or be dismissed by President Donald Trump.

Schumer, a Democratic senator from New York, stated that Trump, Musk, along with their "DOGE supporters," aim to drastically reduce, dismantle, and potentially abolish Social Security. During the event on Tuesday, he commented, "These two individuals have appointed a hatchetman called Leland Dudek for this task. Currently serving as the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration—with significant focus on 'acting'—they intend to install him so he can severely diminish the program before stepping down."

The SSA responded by saying Dudek is focused on improving Social Security services for Americans. “President Trump has promised that any American receiving Social Security benefits will continue to receive them, and the acting commissioner is helping to deliver on that promise,” a Social Security spokesperson told . “Personal attacks serve no purpose but to distract from the critical work to transform SSA into a customer-focused organization that protects Americans’ hard-earned benefits.”

April 15: Trump signs memo to keep undocumented immigrants from receiving Social Security benefits

The president signed a memorandum on Tuesday to bar undocumented immigrants from receiving Social Security benefits. The memo states that “taxpayer-funded benefits [will] be provided only to eligible persons and not encourage or reward illegal immigration to the United States. This interest is especially compelling with respect to Social Security Act benefits, which demand strict policing of fraud, waste, and abuse to ensure future eligible individuals receive the benefits to which they are entitled.”

According to current regulations, undocumented workers are ineligible for Social Security benefits. Critics referred to the memo as “ political theater .”

April 15: Joe Biden suggests modifications at SSA might influence people psychologically.

Since stepping down from the presidency, former President Joe Biden has spoken out about recent developments at the Social Security Administration, suggesting these alterations might have significant effects on recipients' mental well-being. "This emotional toll is immense," he stated, describing scenarios where individuals aged 70 or older with disabilities worry about potential delays in receiving their benefits. He posed the question: "What goes through your mind when trying to rest?"

Biden addressed various problems within the agency, such as decreased personnel levels. He also referenced the discredited assertion circulated by Trump and Musk—that benefits are being claimed by individuals over 200 or even 300 years old—and brought up remarks made recently by Commerce Secretary Lutnik regarding his 94-year-old mother-in-law’s indifference towards whether she receives her Social Security payment.

Social Security isn't merely a government initiative," Biden stated. "It's a solemn pledge.

The Social Security Administration is implementing "practical measures to revolutionize our approach to serving the public—enhancing front-line customer support, updating our technological systems, and safeguarding the integrity of our programs," stated a representative from the Social Security Administration. "Under President Trump's direction, the administration is rooting out inefficiency, deceit, and misuse, all while defending diligent American taxpayers, which is precisely what we're accomplishing."

On April 16, a congressman shared a letter addressing the dangers associated with halting the card program.

Rep. Gerald Connolly, a Democratic representative from Virginia who serves as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, stated that Social Security field offices would face an influx following the suspension. Enumeration Beyond Entry The program, known as EBE, represents an accord between the Social Security Administration and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This allows for the automatic provision of Social Security numbers and cards to specific individuals, such as recent citizens and non-citizens who have been granted permission to work.

The freeze of the program implies that these people must visit field offices to acquire their cards. This process incurs higher expenses for issuance compared to mailing them, as stated in the letter.

April 17: Legislators Raise Concerns Over Whistleblower’s Allegations About DOGE Database

In another letter, Connolly shared a whistleblower’s claim that DOGE is looking to create a multi-agency federal database, which would include Social Security numbers. The letter also mentioned revamping the SSA’s information-technology system in “weeks or months.”

The congressman requested an inquiry into the issue and stated that DOGE "poses a threat to SSA operations, Social Security benefits, and the confidential personal information of every American."

April 17: Federal Judge Restricts DOGE’s Access to SSA Information

U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander, who had previously issued a temporary restraining order against DOGE and requested it delete any information it had already obtained, limited DOGE’s access to Social Security data in a preliminary injunction in a case brought forth by labor groups. DOGE employees will be allowed access to data only if the information is unidentifiable and after undergoing training and background checks.

The defendants will “appeal this decision and expect ultimate victory on the issue,” Liz Huston, a White House spokesperson, told . “The American people gave President Trump a clear mandate to uproot waste, fraud and abuse across the federal government. The Trump administration will continue to fight to fulfill the mandate.”

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