Social Security Overhaul Continues Despite Musk Exit
DOGE Reforms Proceed Under New Leadership
The Social Security Administration’s ambitious modernization effort is pressing forward even as Elon Musk steps down from his role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite a fractured relationship with President Donald Trump, the agency’s future remains intertwined with DOGE’s technological vision.
Workforce Changes and New Systems
Recent months have seen significant alterations within the SSA, driven by DOGE’s recommendations. These include a reduction of 7,000 positions and the implementation of a new fraud detection system designed to safeguard benefits.
Bisignano Champions DOGE Collaboration
Current SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano, described as a “fundamentally DOGE person,” intends to integrate DOGE personnel to enhance customer service and leverage artificial intelligence. I look at them as a resource to help me,
Bisignano told the Wall Street Journal. He’s focused on digitization, allowing beneficiaries to manage tasks like Social Security card replacements online.
However, the partnership hasn’t been without friction. Earlier this year, concerns arose when DOGE bypassed standard protocols to access sensitive beneficiary data. The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, permitted DOGE access to non-anonymized records to aid government efficiency, a decision met with dissent over privacy implications.
Staffing Levels and Future Payments
The SSA workforce has already shrunk by 5,000, falling from 57,000 to 52,000. Bisignano emphasizes a shift in focus from headcount to service quality. According to the Congressional Budget Office, Social Security’s trust funds are projected to be depleted by 2034, meaning that without legislative changes, benefits could be reduced for future retirees. (CBO Report, June 2024)
Addressing Backlogs and Wait Times
The agency is currently grappling with a backlog of approximately 900,000 cases stemming from the Social Security Fairness Act. Call center wait times are also a major issue, with many callers unable to connect with a representative. Bisignano aims to reduce average call wait times to 12 minutes by September 2026, down from the current 19.2 minutes, and shorten initial disability claim processing to 190 days from 231.
However, skepticism exists regarding these technological shifts. Past suggestions of changes to how recipients interact with Social Security have been met with concern and even outright disdain,
noted Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. For older Americans who have paid into the system for years, they don’t want to see access to in-person and over-the-phone assistance drift away from what is such a pivotal source of income for millions each month.
Long-Term Outlook
While Musk’s departure introduces uncertainty, Bisignano remains committed to DOGE’s core principles. There won’t be any immediate impact this year or next. The changes DOGE is driving are mostly tech-heavy—system upgrades, digital improvements, backend overhauls,
explained Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group. Here’s the catch: by the time those improvements are implemented, the technology will already be outdated. It’s a never-ending game of catch-up.
