Musk’s cost-cutting at SSA alarms seniors

It’s clear: Trump and Musk want to make it harder and harder for the elderly and disabled to utilize Social Security.

They don’t care how much pain they cause. Their ultimate goal is to make Social Security dysfunctional, to privatize it and to let Wall Street take it over. pic.twitter.com/mAImNHFVcz

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 8, 2025

Elon Musk’s cost-cutting efforts at the Social Security Administration (SSA) have raised concerns among older Americans who rely on Social Security benefits. Recent budget cuts and a growing beneficiary pool are straining the agency’s customer service, leading to suggestions for improving the program. Debra Sutherland, 71, who depends on Social Security as her sole income source, expressed worries about the future of the program under the current measures.

"The death threats aren't in my imagination. Just look at social media. These are whackjobs organized by left wing organizations in America funded by left-wing billionaires”

Elon Musk
pic.twitter.com/HGqrMVleuW

— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) April 8, 2025

She said, “There is not a day that I wake up and wonder when the government is going to mess with the only income I receive.” The SSA’s infrastructure is under pressure due to budget cuts and an increasing number of beneficiaries.

Social Security is the people’s money. YOU paid for it!

Musk and Trump want to slash your earned benefits to pay for tax breaks for themselves and their billionaire friends.

Democrats are fighting to enhance Social Security for the millions who rely on it, not cut benefits! pic.twitter.com/tgpTLuuynn

— Rep. John Larson (@RepJohnLarson) April 8, 2025

Musk’s initiatives have targeted the agency, resulting in a workforce reduction of 7,000 employees, which could worsen existing service delays. New policies are expected to increase physical visits to SSA field offices for claim approvals.

Trump-Musk and House Republicans are out to slash and privatize your Social Security benefits.

They don't need to just keep their hands off, they need to pay their fair share! pic.twitter.com/XL1S0OQzkG

— Rep. John Larson (@RepJohnLarson) April 7, 2025

Musk stated on March 28 that DOGE’s efforts aim to modernize the agency and combat fraud, ensuring that “legitimate people will receive more Social Security, not less.” Both Musk and former President Trump have pledged to stop fraudulent claims, which accounted for a significant portion of improper payments according to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General. Diane Campbell, 68, from Virginia, called for a more concrete plan from the federal government and advocated for higher-income individuals to pay more in taxes to support Social Security. She emphasized, “Cutting all of this stuff is not going to make it better.” Robert Zeidler, 72, from Arizona, faced difficulties with SSA’s customer service when addressing an issue with his direct deposit.

Cost-cutting effects at SSA

He experienced long wait times and trouble booking appointments. Zeidler noted, “There’s no shortcut to having people manning the phones,” stressing that staff cuts will make it harder for older Americans to claim benefits. SSA’s customer service is under significant strain, with average call wait times increasing and a surge in calls from beneficiaries. Local field offices are also preparing for an influx of visitors due to reductions and new ID requirements. About 50 field offices are set to close due to budget cuts, compounding the service challenges. Older adults have reported difficulties navigating the necessary government paperwork and technology to claim Social Security. Campbell and Zeidler worry about peers who are less adept at navigating online systems. Musk has mentioned plans to “modernize” the SSA but has not provided specific details. Zeidler highlighted the long wait times and frustration with recent SSA service cuts, saying, “Whatever cuts they’re making or whatever they’re doing — I’ve dealt with Social Security before, and I never had these long wait times.”