In a sweeping move that has sparked both support and concern, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by tech magnate Elon Musk, has made dramatic changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA), leading to updates in millions of Social Security records.
The changes come amid DOGE’s broader mission to modernize federal agencies, cut bureaucratic waste, and eliminate fraud. However, critics argue that the reforms are too aggressive and potentially harmful to vulnerable populations relying on Social Security benefits.
Massive Data Cleanup
DOGE reported that approximately 7 million Social Security accounts belonging to individuals aged over 120 years have been purged from the SSA’s database. The agency also flagged nearly 20 million cases where deceased individuals were still marked as alive, potentially opening the door to identity fraud and misallocated benefits.
This initiative, Musk stated, is aimed at “rebuilding trust and accountability in public systems” and ensuring that benefits go to those who truly need them. However, the scale and speed of the changes have raised eyebrows in Washington.
“This isn’t just a spring cleaning,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “This is an upheaval of how one of our most critical safety net programs is managed.”
Deep Access to Federal Systems
DOGE operatives gained access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS), which processes salaries for over 276,000 federal employees. This move, according to a report by The Guardian, was made despite warnings from internal SSA and cybersecurity officials who feared the risks of such access.
The controversial access has raised questions about data security and whether Musk’s agency is overstepping traditional boundaries of federal oversight. The Office of Personnel Management has yet to comment on the security implications.
Disruption in Services
Amid these changes, the SSA’s online platforms have experienced sporadic outages, leaving many beneficiaries unable to access essential services. The SSA.gov website was down for several hours on multiple occasions last week, with call centers reportedly overwhelmed by inquiries.
In-person visits are also affected. As part of cost-cutting measures, DOGE ordered a temporary closure of several SSA field offices and reduced staff across the board. Additionally, new policies now require in-person verification for identity-related changes—a move intended to reduce fraud but which critics say is burdensome for the elderly and disabled.
SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek defended the reforms, stating, “We understand the transition is difficult, but these steps are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability of the program.”
Political Pushback
Democratic lawmakers have mounted strong opposition to the changes. Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren have launched what they call a “war room” dedicated to resisting DOGE’s restructuring of the SSA. Their concern: the rapid roll-out of policy without congressional oversight.
The senators also introduced the Privacy Act Modernization Act of 2025 to strengthen data privacy protections in light of DOGE’s unprecedented access to federal records.
“We cannot allow experimentation on Social Security infrastructure at the expense of American citizens,” Senator Wyden said.
Technology Overhaul in Progress
Perhaps the most ambitious part of DOGE’s plan is the transition of SSA’s legacy systems away from the COBOL programming language—used since the 1960s—to a modern platform within months. Technology experts have expressed skepticism about the timeline, warning that such rapid transitions could lead to system failures and benefit delays.
Nonetheless, Musk maintains that the current systems are “archaic” and that reform is “long overdue.” A Wired report notes that the modernization project is being led by engineers from Musk’s own tech firms, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
What It Means for You?
For current Social Security recipients, the SSA advises checking account status and benefit delivery schedules directly through SSA.gov or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Beneficiaries are also encouraged to ensure their information is up to date to avoid disruptions in payments.
Anyone unable to access services online should plan for longer processing times at SSA offices and bring multiple forms of identification to verify their identity under the new guidelines.
Looking Ahead
While DOGE’s reforms have generated headlines and shaken federal bureaucracy, their long-term impact remains to be seen. Supporters hail the initiative as necessary innovation, while critics worry about unintended consequences and lack of transparency.
As lawmakers, watchdogs, and the public continue to scrutinize these changes, one thing is clear: Social Security—a pillar of American society—is entering a new and uncertain era.
Vikas is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for unraveling complex global financial systems. From government benefits to energy rebates and recruitment trends, he empowers readers with actionable insights and clarity. When he’s not crafting impactful articles, you can find him sharing her expertise on Social Media. You can connect with him via email at [email protected].
