The U.S. DOGE Service, Elon Musk's cost-cutting initiative, proposed eliminating many Social Security Administration phone claims services in March 2025. This sparked widespread panic among elderly and disabled beneficiaries, leading to long wait times, website crashes, and significant public outcry.
Following intense pressure from constituents and lawmakers, the plan was scrapped. An internal memo revealed the cancellation of the mandate forcing beneficiaries to verify identities online or in person for direct deposit payments and benefit applications. Phone access would remain for all claim types.
A new fraud detection tool will be implemented by April 14, 2025, to flag suspicious calls. Only calls flagged by this tool will require in-person identity verification. The memo acknowledges potential false positives but deems this preferable to restricting phone access.
Social Security's communication strategy is undergoing a review, and meetings with disability advocates and the Government Accountability Office have been canceled. The article also highlights the Trump administration's continued claims of widespread Social Security fraud, despite evidence to the contrary, and the impact of staff cuts on the agency's ability to implement changes.
Senator Ron Wyden criticized the chaotic policy shifts, citing damage to public trust. The article also points out the difficulties the Social Security Administration faces, including staff shortages and outdated technology. Misinformation on Social Security fraud was widely reported.