Despite Elon Musk’s exit from DOGE, Social Security still faces major changes. While he was at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he implemented some changes, and some of them are far from over. With DOGE’s influence on Social Security continuing, more changes are still expected to occur.
DOGE’s Reform Agenda Still Moving Forward
Since Trump took power, DOGE has emerged as a powerful initiative to modernize and streamline government operations, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has emerged as one of the most targeted agencies.
Some of the most significant changes at the SSA include a reduction of staff by 7,000 jobs and shifting towards digital services to take over in-person interactions. These changes were deemed essential to cutting expenditure, reducing waste of funds, and boosting efficiency.
Now led by Commissioner Frank Bisignano, the SSA is still aligning with DOGE’s agenda. Bisignano emphasized that although Musk has left DOGE, the department remains a driving force for improving customer service through technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The SSA has already started to replace digital cards, manage benefits, and make updates digitally through its website. Therefore, beneficiaries are not required to visit field offices unless necessary.
Controversy Over Data Access and Privacy
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of permitting DOGE to access non-anonymized Social Security data to enable their efficiency efforts. This move was criticized by advocates who felt that full access to SSA systems would lead to data misuse and erosion of privacy rights, especially for people with disabilities and seniors.
Tighter Overpayment Policies and Administrative Shifts
DOGE reforms also target to crack down on incorrect or excessive disbursements totaling $8.9 billion in 2023. Under new rules, the SSA initially planned to recover 100% of monthly benefits from recipients who had been overpaid.
However, due to widespread backlash, the figure was capped at 50%, but concerns persist over the SSA’s aggressive stances and the risk of financial disruption to vulnerable recipients.
Additionally, the upcoming policy could prevent individuals without Social Security numbers (SSNs) from serving as benefit payees. An estimated 170,000 guardian caregivers and guardians, many of whom are legal but undocumented, are likely to be affected.
What Lies Ahead for Social Security After Elon Musk’s Exit
Despite the departure of Elon Musk, DOGE already operates as a standing government task force integrated in key agencies such as the SSA and IRS. It is therefore safe to say that digital and efficiency-driven reforms are likely to continue if not expanded further.
However, there are concerns about these changes because modernizing legacy government systems that have been in use for decades is an enormous challenge. Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, said:
“Here’s the catch: by the time those improvements are implemented, the technology will already be outdated. It’s a never-ending game of catch-up. What gets upgraded today will need another upgrade tomorrow. That’s the reality of moving a legacy system into the digital age, yet Social Security recipients won’t feel those effects anytime soon.”
Similarly, Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, cited that some Americans are not happy with the reforms.
“For older Americans who have paid into the system for years, they don’t want to see access to in-person and over-the-phone assistance drift away from what is such a pivotal source of income for millions each month,” he said.
Conclusion
Although reforms set in motion by DOGE, especially in the SSA, promise greater efficiency, they introduce service challenges, privacy concerns, and cultural resistance, especially from older Americans who have used them for many years. However, these reforms don’t seem to end soon until DOGE achieves its objectives. Therefore, nearly 70 million beneficiaries of Social Security need to stay informed and prepare for any changes that come along.