DOGE and Social Security

[Axtremus]

https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/doge-social-security-musk

For now DOGE is cutting the service rather than cutting benefits. (Reducing headcounts working for the service, closing field and regional offices, etc.)

Giving this its own thread because it seems it's just a matter of time for more shoes to drop on this one.

[Copper]

In 1940, there were 42 workers per retiree. Today the ratio is 3-to-1; by 2050 it will be 2-to-1.

They can't touch my social security, but they can certainly continue raising the retirement age.

And it wouldn't hurt to reduce medicare, that might help reduce the number of SS recipients.

[Jolly]

Social Security has long been moving towards computer programs and call centers, just like the rest of the country.

[taiwan_girl]

I think that multiple people here have mentioned that the maximum taxes for Social Security should be increased, or eliminated.

As to reducing headcount, probably not a bad idea. I agree with @mik 's comment from another thread that it would be much better if it were "targeted" rather than what seems like random.

[Jolly]

Okay.

Now cut $1.9T.

From this year's budget.

[Axtremus]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/03/25/social-security-phones-doge-cuts/

Long waits, waves of calls, website crashes: Social Security is breaking down

The Social Security Administration website crashed four times in 10 days this month, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts because the servers were overloaded. In the field, office managers have resorted to answering phones at the front desk as receptionists because so many employees have been pushed out. But the agency no longer has a system to monitor customers’ experience with these services, because that office was eliminated as part of the cost-cutting efforts led by Elon Musk.

And the phones keep ringing. And ringing.

[jon-nyc]

There was an announcement today that the head of SSA stripped the Doge kids of their systems access.

[89th]

They should just hire Barron. Rumor has it he can turn on a laptop in 5 minutes.

[taiwan_girl]

Again, I am sure that all of the government departments could become more efficient and have less people. But, use a laser and not a sled hammer!!

[Jolly]

If you use a laser, nothing will be cut. Or at least, nothing that creates any savings.

[Axtremus]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/04/social-security-layoffs-trump-musk/

More job cuts planned for Social Security.
7k already cut; 50k remain; expectations are that several thousands more will be cut soon.

[Jolly]

Social Security is moving to where most things will be accessed online, using an ap with biometric (thumbprint or facial recognition.

[Mik]

Yup. Their online now works pretty well, as does the IRS.

[Jolly]

Sam's Club just announced they will be sunsetting physical cards, relying on their ap instead.

Membership sharing cards was their reason.