Staffing reductions at the Social Security Administration (SSA), driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Donald Trump’s administration, could put the benefits of more than 73 million retirees in jeopardy, according to a former commissioner.
Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley is warning that deep cuts and a lack of leadership within the agency could lead to severe payment delays or, in the worst-case scenario, a full “system collapse” within 90 days. Speaking with CNN, O’Malley cautioned that the agency is on the brink of failure due to mismanagement and a reckless purge of experienced staff.
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“Everything they’re doing is driving this agency to system collapse,” he warned. “It will lead to interruptions in service, and that will ultimately cascade into more frequent system interruptions for the processing of claims, ultimately leading to system collapse and eventually the interruption of benefits.”
The SSA, which has never missed a benefits payment in its 90-year history, is now facing unprecedented challenges due to the sweeping overhaul, CNN reported. “The [agency] overhaul lacks strategic planning, which could have serious ramifications for an agency that has never missed a benefits payment in its 90-year history, according to advocates and employees CNN interviewed,” the report states.
“The focus is on swiftly shrinking Social Security’s staff with little thought given to making it function more efficiently or transferring the knowledge of those who depart, several said.” The restructuring effort has left the agency temporarily headed by a former analyst with no management experience, further raising concerns about its ability to function properly.
Jack Smalligan, a former official at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who specialized in Social Security, echoed O’Malley’s concerns. “We have a bunch of individuals with no or little experience in the operations of the agency trying to run one of the most important benefit programs in our country,” Smalligan explained. “The downsizing is happening in such an unstructured, unplanned manner, it puts the agency at special risk.”
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The SSA’s ability to deliver benefits to millions of Americans has long been seen as one of the most reliable government functions. However, with experienced leadership being forced out and staff cuts proceeding without a clear operational strategy, retirees and disability recipients could soon face significant disruptions.
As concerns mount, advocates and former officials are urging immediate intervention to prevent a potential catastrophe that could leave millions without the financial support they rely on.
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