The collaboration between Elon Musk and the Donald Trump administration to optimize federal spending has put key programs such as Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) under the microscope, the latter of vital importance for millions of Americans with disabilities that prevent them from performing some work and earning a living.
Although there are no announcements of direct cuts, certain controversial measures announced by Musk could impact millions, especially older adults and people with disabilities, who will see some of their services affected.
Musk leading DOGE: How it could affect SSDI disability benefits
Musk, appointed unofficial leader of DOGE —an initiative created by Trump to cut spending— focuses his efforts on identifying “waste and fraud” at the SSA, the entity that administers Social Security and SSDI. The latter is an assistance program for disabled workers, while the former covers retirement through taxes. Both depend on the same agency, so operational changes would impact both.
The South African tech tycoon has insisted that there is “$500,000 to $700,000 million in unnecessary spending,” although without presenting evidence. These statements have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and rights advocates, who fear the fraud narrative justifies restrictions. “It is a dangerous strategy that puts the most vulnerable at risk,” warned a spokesperson for the organization Social Security Works.
While there are no explicit plans to tinker with the SSI program, the cuts promoted by Musk to the SSA could have devastating effects for millions of Americans who depend on this money month after month. For example: SSA announced the elimination of 7,000 jobs —mainly in non-critical areas— and the closure of 10 regional offices, leaving only four active. This would translate into longer waiting times and fewer service channels, according to experts.
In addition, it is being evaluated to reduce telephone services, which in 2023 handled 80 million calls and 40% of claims. For SSDI beneficiaries, this poses an additional obstacle. Many do not have access to the internet and depend on telephone support to resolve problems, and this change would leave them helpless. It is clearly understood that people with physical disabilities, which affect their mobility, cannot travel long distances to receive SSA care.
DOGE cuts to Social Security, “a potential catastrophe”
Acting SSA Chief Leland Dudek called DOGE’s measures “potentially catastrophic for citizens,” warning of collapses in care. In contrast, Trump has assured that “Social Security benefits will not be touched,” although he supports the search for efficiency. This duality generates uncertainty about the real scope of the changes.
Former officials such as Martin O’Malley, former SSA commissioner, have been more forceful: “Cutting staff and services could collapse the system in 30 to 90 days,” he warned. Organizations like AARP and The Arc agree that the lack of clarity increases anxiety among beneficiaries, particularly those with cognitive disabilities or without technological resources.
The debate on fraud in Social Security: myth or reality?
Musk has repeated controversial claims, such as that “millions of deceased people receive benefits”, something denied by official data. The SSA reports that less than 0.5% of payments are errors or fraud, but DOGE rhetoric insists the figure is higher. This has led to aggressive audits, even of already verified cases.
Advocacy groups argue that the focus on fraud is a smokescreen. “Most errors are administrative, such as outdated addresses, not organized scams,” said Rebecca Smith, a social policy expert. However, the pressure to save $7 trillion in a decade—DOGE’s goal—keeps Musk’s strategy going.
