Social Security just made a big mistake that could cause some beneficiaries to miss their payments. In early April 2025, many beneficiaries found a disturbing “You are not receiving benefits” message when they logged into their Social Security accounts. In addition to the error messages, beneficiaries found that some of their information and payment history was missing, causing panic among some of the most vulnerable Americans, such as low-income retirees and disabled individuals who rely solely on Social Security payments.
So what caused this glitch and why are some beneficiaries not receiving payments?
The Major Mistake That Caused Panic in the Social Administration System
The Social Security Administration has admitted that its system suffered a glitch that caused widespread panic and confusion. According to sources, a technical problem caused Supplementary Security Income recipients to receive error messages on their “My Social Security” portal. Although the SSA claims that no recipient missed a payment, the fear and mistrust following the glitch was real.
This glitch is not surprising, however, as the problems began with recent operational and structural changes within the SSA that many critics predicted would cause glitches.
Why the Glitch Happened and Why More Are Still to Happen
Unfortunately, the recent glitch is not an isolated incident; more are expected to follow the massive staff cuts the SSA has endured in recent months. After being ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce its workforce by an estimated 12%, resulting in over 7,000 layoffs, the SSA is currently struggling to keep its systems running as usual.
In addition to the layoffs, at least 25 SSA field offices have been closed. These changes have had a dramatic impact, and the SSA has recently reported being overwhelmed with calls, with busy signals skyrocketing from 1.5% in February to over 28% in March. To make matters worse, calls have not gone through, while millions of emails remain unanswered. Walk-in support was also limited for those who chose to use it.
Overall, there has been a dramatic decline in customer service at the SSA. Various social service organizations, experts, and critics have called on the SSA to delay or reconsider policy changes until service levels are restored. This is urgent because millions of Americans depend on Social Security for their basic needs.
Why The Situation as SSA is Alarming
Recently, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) pressed Acting Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Leland Dudek for answers following reports of recent disruptions to Americans’ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The new letter marks the first investigation from the Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to protect Americans’ Social Security from Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to gut the agency.
The senators also questioned whether DOGE’s involvement is part of a broader agenda to privatize SSA or even end Social Security altogether. They also vowed to protect the SSA, saying it’s the only hope for millions of Americans. “These beneficiaries are among the most vulnerable in the nation,” the senators wrote. “They face extraordinary hardship if their benefits are delayed or interrupted.
The SSA Blames the Glitch on Systems
In response to public complaints, the SSA blamed its computer infrastructure, saying it was outdated. One official said the SSA uses a platform from 1979, suggesting that decades-old technology is buckling under the pressure of modern demands.
The agency also refuted claims that the website glitch was caused by DOGE’s involvement. “The SSA website went down because of an uncharacteristically high volume, and it’s a 1979 platform. It had nothing to do with DOGE.
In fact, this problem has alerted to a problem that DOGE will immediately fix,” the SSA said in a post on X. “And why was there an atypical high volume? DOGE is trying to force people to use online systems they’re not comfortable with. Also scaring people. DOGE is the source of the problem,” replied Charles Hall. Hall, who is a Social Security attorney and blogger on Social Security issues, blamed DOGE for the glitch, saying it is forcing people to rely on the SSA online system for everything.