President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum that aims at reshaping how Social Security fraud is investigated across the United States. Individuals found to be fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits could face enforcement measures.
Key Details of the Presidential Memo
The presidential memorandum was signed on April 15, 2025, and it gives the Social Security Administration (SSA) the authority to take strict steps to ensure that individuals without legal presence in the country are barred from collecting benefits. Part of this plan is to expand the Social Security Fraud Prosecutor Program to at least 50 U.S. attorney offices and launch a new Medicare fraud prosecution program in 15 additional U.S. attorney offices.
The SSA will investigate suspicious earnings activity, especially those involving people aged 100 or older with inaccurate or mismatched Social Security records. The administration is also considering reinstating civil monetary penalties to curb fraud. These measures are meant to strengthen program integrity and ensure that only legally eligible individuals receive taxpayer-funded benefits.
Who is Affected by the Memorandum?
The memorandum targets undocumented immigrants who attempt to claim Social Security benefits using stolen or fraudulent identities. It also addresses suspicious earnings activity linked to individuals well beyond retirement age, which may indicate systematic fraud.
Under current rules, undocumented immigrants are eligible for Social Security benefits only if they have valid work authorization and have contributed to the system using a legitimate Social Security number. The new directives call for intensified scrutiny and expanded investigations into suspected fraud.
Timing and Significance of the Memo
The timing of this memorandum is politically significant, as it comes just days before former President Joe Biden is set to address a disability advocacy conference in Chicago. He is expected to speak on the future of Social Security and the threat he believes former President Trump poses to the program.
The memorandum aligns with ongoing efforts to restore public trust in the Social Security system and to prevent unlawful access to benefits. Fraud prevention remains a top priority, as millions of Americans depend on Social Security, Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income.
Cost to the Taxpayer and Political Implications of the Memorandum
According to estimates by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), taxpayers part with over $182 billion annually to fund approximately 20 million undocumented immigrants and their children. This money is used to pay for public services like education, healthcare, and fraudulent benefit claims.
Cracking down on Social Security fraud will enable the government to reduce these expenses. This move will appeal to many voters who are concerned about the long-term sustainability of Social Security and other benefit programs.