Social Security Administration Faces Crisis Amid Controversial Changes and Staffing Cuts
Amid drastic changes and deep staffing cuts at the SSA, acting commissioner Leland Dudek revokes access by the Department of Government Efficiency to sensitive data.
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Democratic lawmakers were alarmed by his refusal to acknowledge the damage done by DOGE at SSA.
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Dudek has also issued new policies for the agency including limiting account holder verification to online confirmation or in-person authentication for certain transactions rupturing the agency’s status quo.
Social Security chief: DOGE access to systems revoked after court order
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The Department of Government Efficiency announced Monday evening that it had purged roughly 7 million Social Security number-holders listed as at least 120 years old.
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The turmoil is leaving many retirees, disabled claimants, and legal immigrants needing Social Security cards with less access or shut out of the system altogether, according to those familiar with the problems.
Long waits, waves of calls, web crashes: Social Security is breaking down
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Dire warnings about the future of Social Security have been increasing, and Martin O’Malley — the SSA’s commissioner until last November — told MSNBC this week that the current administration’s actions could lead to “system collapse.”
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Some Republicans have in the past called for privatizing Social Security, while advocates for retirees and the disabled say privatizing the agency could result in reduced benefit payments to millions of Americans who rely on them.
Social Security Nominee Says He’s ‘Never Thought About Privatizing’
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The current mess was largely anticipated.
The Social Security crisis, briefly explained
Vox·1M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Some Republicans have long floated the possibility of privatizing social security, but proposing major changes — including potential cuts — to the entitlement program has generally been an extraordinarily unpopular position in US politics.
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Wyden added that the whistleblower said, "You personally intervened to get key DOGE officials installed at the agency who have masterminded this shipwreck that we're dealing today."
'Stop them!': Democrat clashes with Trump Social Security nominee over DOGE access
Fox Business·1M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.The chaos at the Social Security Administration began shortly after acting commissioner Michelle King stepped down in February DOGE, run by Trump adviser Elon Musk, sought access to Social Security recipient information.
Self-professed 'DOGE person' Frank Bisignano gets his confirmation hearing to lead Social Security
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Summary
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in turmoil following significant staff reductions and changes instituted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Acting commissioner Leland Dudek confirmed that DOGE's access to sensitive systems has been revoked to comply with court orders, addressing privacy concerns. As Frank Bisignano, nominated to lead the SSA, faces lawmakers, critics claim the administration's actions jeopardize access to benefits for millions. With system crashes, long wait times, and staff shortages due to harsh policies and layoffs, the agency is struggling to meet the needs of retirees and disabled Americans.
Perspectives
Leland Dudek's confirmation hearing as Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration highlights concerns over potential privatization of the agency and the chaos caused by staff cuts, despite his claims that these policies will improve efficiency.
Mass layoffs and staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration, driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raise alarms about the impacts on service delivery and accessibility for vulnerable populations, with the agency's systems already overwhelmed and unprepared to handle the influx of requests from retirees and disabled claimants.
Social Security faces significant financial challenges, with trust funds projected to deplete by 2035, compounded by operational disruptions resulting from the recent DOGE-led reforms that have led to office closures and reduced staffing.
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