Social Security May End Phone Services Under Pressure From DOGE

The Department of Government Efficiency is pushing the Social Security Administration to cut its phone services, raising concerns about access for elderly and disabled Americans.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is considering eliminating phone services for claims processing and direct-deposit transactions, redirecting users to online platforms or in-person offices.
The potential cuts are being driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is targeting alleged fraud within the agency despite limited evidence of widespread issues.
Critics warn that the move could disrupt services for millions of elderly and disabled Americans, many of whom rely on the toll-free phone line due to limited internet access or mobility challenges.
In 2023, the SSA handled over 81 million calls via its toll-free number, with phone services accounting for 40% of claims processing.
DOGE’s push aligns with broader government efficiency initiatives under the Trump administration, which have included significant staff cuts and controversial claims of systemic fraud.