How the DOGE’s Actions Affect Your Social Security Benefits

How the DOGE’s Actions Affect Your Social Security Benefits
Proposed SSA changes may impact expats—here’s what you need to know.

At a time when the new administration is rapidly reshaping the federal government, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has found itself at the center of significant attention—and proposed changes, as widely reported in the press.

Whether you are currently receiving Social Security benefits or expect to do so in the future, the flurry of stories emanating from the SSA is enough to raise concerns about the program. Are there plans to cut benefits? Is my personal information safe? What changes are being proposed, and how might they affect me? Finally, what can I do to best protect myself?

Let’s consider each of these in turn.

Are There Plans to Cut Social Security Benefits?

President Trump has been adamant that he will not cut Social Security benefits—a position he has maintained since he first ran for office. Politicians from both parties also insist they would never touch the benefits of anyone currently collecting, as well as anyone nearing retirement—typically defined as those aged 50 or older. You can expect your benefits to remain intact.

Is My Personal Information Safe?

I wish I could say, “Absolutely.” Unfortunately, with the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, and its young, fast-moving appointees…who knows?

But here’s the more sobering truth: long before DOGE, personal data breaches at financial institutions and other organizations already left much of our sensitive information vulnerable. Much of it is now readily available online, for sale to bad actors.

Proposed SSA Changes and Their Impact

Two major changes are currently under consideration.

First, the SSA plans to downsize its workforce by 7,000 employees—about 12% of its staff. This includes the closure of some local offices (which directly serve the public) and a large number of regional offices (where senior staff handle complex beneficiary cases that local offices can’t resolve). SSA has been understaffed for years, so expect longer wait times for phone and in-person appointments. If you plan to begin collecting benefits soon, delays are likely—unless you apply online.

Second, new rules will require many of the most vulnerable beneficiaries—particularly the elderly and disabled—to verify their identities in person under certain circumstances. Currently, this verification can be done by phone. In addition, the SSA is considering stricter rules on who may act as a representative for a beneficiary unable to manage their own affairs. This could create additional hardship for those most in need of support.

What Can I Do to Best Protect Myself?

First, try to handle as many of your interactions with the SSA as possible through your “my Social Security” account on the SSA’s official website. You can use this portal to:

  • Check your current benefit estimates (if you haven’t started collecting yet)

  • Review your work record (including last year’s earnings and payroll taxes paid)

  • Access your annual statement of benefits and deductions for Medicare and/or tax withholding

  • File for benefits

  • Select or change the bank where you receive your benefit payments

Unfortunately, you cannot currently apply for a survivor benefit online—you must make an appointment to visit a local office.

Second, download copies of important personal information like benefit estimates, work history, and current benefit statements. If the system is ever compromised, you’ll have documentation to help restore your account and verify your entitlements.

Finally—and this might sound a bit paranoid—consider setting up a separate bank account solely for receiving your benefits, paying estimated taxes (if applicable), and receiving any tax refunds. Once funds are deposited, transfer them to your regular operating account. The U.S. Treasury has the authority to retrieve funds it deems were incorrectly paid. Could a bad actor exploit the system and withdraw funds? It’s unclear—but if that designated account doesn’t hold other savings, your potential loss is limited.

As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.

Editor's Note: Want to make the most of your Social Security? Learn how to boost your payments, sidestep costly mistakes, and use your benefits overseas. Download your free expert guide.

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