Former Social Security Administration (SSA) leaders Martin O'Malley and Michael Astrue warn that recent workforce reductions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could disrupt Social Security payments for millions of Americans.

Key concerns include:

• Risk of payment delays and errors for 70 million beneficiaries
• Increasing service demands as more baby boomers retire
• Current staffing cuts coincide with rising workload
• Longer wait times and reduced customer support
• Potential disruption to complex technical systems

"Social Security isn't just another government service; it's a lifeline for millions of people. Any disruption could have immediate and catastrophic consequences," states O'Malley.

Astrue emphasizes the critical need for experienced personnel: "Social Security's infrastructure relies heavily on skilled staff. Reducing their numbers during a critical time of increased service demand and system complexity risks widespread delays and errors."

Beneficiaries already face:

• Extended wait times
• Difficulty accessing support services
• Potential delays in claim processing
• Uncertainty about payment timing

The former commissioners stress that maintaining adequate SSA staffing levels is essential to ensure timely benefit payments for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors who depend on Social Security for daily living expenses.

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