A leaked Social Security Administration memo reveals a DOGE-led proposal to limit phone services, potentially breaking the system. The changes, aimed at reducing fraud, could hinder retirees and disabled Americans from accessing benefits, raising alarms among experts about worsening delays and staffing shortages.
Many disabled and retired Americans who are now applying for benefits may encounter complications as a result of an internal memo that has surfaced, which details the Social Security Administration’s plan to upgrade its phone service.
The DOGE-led scheme may have a disastrous effect on a system that is already facing staffing cuts and delays, according to Axios, which reported Monday that despite the Trump administration’s repeated claims that it solely intends to fight waste and fraud within the Social Security system, the plot might still have that effect.
“It is a big deal,” ex-Social Security official Kathleen Romig told Axios. The alterations, according to Romig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ Social Security and Disability policy division, produce a genuine Catch-22.
According to Axios, the agency’s operations section, represented by acting deputy commissioner for operations Doris Diaz, signed a letter on Thursday that would further restrict individuals’ ability to perform certain things over the phone. People who call the agency without needing to authenticate their identity, such as someone making a general query, would still be able to use the phone service according to the idea.
The suggested restrictions would be “significant” for Americans residing in rural regions, according to the memo that Axios obtained. It revolves around changes to identity verification, which can be done over the phone at the moment if someone can’t do it using the only system.
A former official from the Social Security Administration, who asked to remain anonymous because they are currently job hunting and could end up back at the agency in the future, told Axios that these changes would severely hamper operations in the field office, which are already paralyzed.
“Benefits are adjusted regularly as people’s incomes change, they explained,” Axios said. “Forcing all those folks to come into a field office ‘would, in essence, break the agency.’ DOGE representatives are well aware of these risks, the former official said.”
Acting commissioner Leland Dudek’s acceptance or implementation of the recommendations or revisions was not immediately apparent, according to the report.
Per Jen Burdick, a lawyer who offers pro bono representation to Americans seeking Social Security disability benefits, the proposed modifications are nothing more than “a way they’re trying to use red tape to literally block people from getting benefits,” as reported by Axios.
Luis Gochoco is a seasoned managing editor and writer with over a decade of experience covering politics, technology, gaming, and entertainment news. With a keen eye for breaking stories and in-depth analysis, he has established himself as a trusted voice in digital journalism. Luis is one of the key forces behind the success of GameNGuide, contributing to 12 million views through engaging and high-traffic content. He also played a pivotal role in generating 8 million views on International Business Times, shaping the platform’s technology and gaming coverage.
Discover more from Today's Esquire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
