Democrats argue that you deserve the Social Security benefits you’ve paid into, but they warn that Trump’s recent firings at the Social Security Administration could put those benefits at risk.
What Does “at Risk” Mean Exactly?
Dan Adcock, director of government relations and policy at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, explained that cutting Social Security benefits isn’t easy without an act of Congress, especially for retirees since their eligibility is clearly defined.
About 6.3 million Californians currently receive benefits.
However, Adcock noted that cutting staff could lead to delayed benefits, which would be a serious problem since about 40% of recipients rely on those payments to cover their basic needs.
That’s why he agrees with Senator Padilla that benefits could indeed be at risk.
The extent of the delays is uncertain. “We’re in uncharted territory here,” Adcock said.
Recently, White House adviser Elon Musk fueled concerns by calling Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”
Musk has been pushing for significant staff and budget cuts at various agencies, including Social Security, which could result in thousands of layoffs.
Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates that service delays are already increasing, and further staff reductions could lead to interruptions in processing claims and issuing benefits.
Despite this, the White House insists that benefits are safe. “The Trump Administration will not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.
President Trump himself has repeatedly said this,” the White House stated in a recent fact sheet.
Still, experts worry about other threats to Social Security due to Trump and Musk’s actions. Reducing staff and closing field offices could make it harder for people to apply for benefits or get help with questions.
Democrats have long warned about threats to Social Security — a politically sensitive issue.
Jacob Rubashkin, deputy editor at Inside Elections, said the program remains highly popular, with most Americans preferring to increase taxes rather than raise the retirement age or reduce benefits.
Since Social Security payments are regular and highly visible, any changes would be difficult to conceal, Rubashkin noted.
Trump and Musk have also claimed that Social Security is plagued by fraud.
However, the agency’s inspector general reported that between 2015 and 2022, Social Security paid about $8.6 trillion in benefits and made around $71.8 billion in improper payments — less than 1% of total payments, mostly due to overpayments.
What Could Change?
If the administration reduces staff, service levels could drop significantly, potentially affecting cost-of-living adjustments.
Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League, said the administration could influence benefits through budget cuts or changes in how funds are distributed.
This could lead to slower processing times, delayed benefits, and increased financial strain for recipients who rely on timely payments.
The administration could also adjust regulations, making it harder for some people to qualify for benefits.
While this wouldn’t directly reduce benefits, it could affect the long-term stability of the program, potentially putting future benefits under pressure.
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