Don't Believe Everything You See about Social Security. Please.

[MineralMan]

There's a lot of wild speculation about ssa.gov and what is going to happen down the road. The reality of it, though, is that we don't know what we don't know.

Various pundits are exclaiming about the "disaster to come." They know no more than you or I do. They are speculating, but many people see any story as the gospel truth. In many cases, though, it is just a worst-case speculation.

I don't know of anyone who didn't get their regular benefit in February. And I know a lot of SS recipients. I also know people who have just filed for their social security benefits recently. They have already heard that they will start getting benefits shortly, just as it has been for years.

Now, I'm not saying everything is rosy. That would be as bad as saying the whole system is falling apart. If you got your benefit in February, you will almost certainly get it this month as well. If your waiting for information or for a recent enrollment, you should hear about that soon.

If you have not logged in at ssa.gov, you should go and do that. If you don't have an account, sign up, using login.gov, the official login security system. People seem to be having trouble with the third party systems, so stick with login.gov. Then, visit your login page once a month. If there are announcements or message about social security, you'll find them there. If there aren't any, don't pay any attention to emails that are pretending to be from the SSA. That isn't how it works.

If you have your benefits deposited directly into your bank account, check that account at the date you normally get your benefits. Check it every month. Make sure your online access to your bank is secure. Change your password and login name and make sure you have a record of those things you can access in case you forget or your devices no longer work.

Then, when you see someone posting alarm after alarm about SSA, look more closely. What is the source of what is being posted? How does that source know something that isn't all over the news? Ask yourself sensible questions like that. Log in to your SSA.gov account and see if there are new messages there. If not, odds are that news alarm is just speculation, as usual.

Some people just naturally want to get as many people stirred up and worried as they can. That makes them feel more important. Don't be taken in by alarmists trying to scare you. You can go find out what's going on for yourself and check other sources.

Frankly, I think it is very unlikely that SSA benefits are going to be the target of anyone. They're too important to too many people. They'll probably be the very last thing that gets messed around with. Other stuff that doesn't affect so many may be targeted. I think SSA benefits are unlikely to be messed with.

[dutch777]

1. Agree but planting the seed that Trump/Musk/GOP could go after it will get people on edge against the GOP

Totally agree that would be such a large lightning rod into the heart of the GOP should they mess up SS, but it gets folks engaged thinking about it. Sadly SSA was already slow in any sort of response to new applications, inquiries, etc. it will be hard to say bad service is totally on the GOP. When I applied a few years ago and got the automated message that they'd be back to me in two to three weeks, it ended up taking 2 months.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

30. Apparently those who think SS can simply

be cancelled with no consequences, clearly don't have a mother or grandmother.

I'm 76, and I've been hearing this crap -- that SS will be cancelled any day now -- all of my adult life. I said back then, and I'm saying now, that won't happen. Or it will be immediately re-instated once all of the kids hear from mom and grandma.

[nature-lover]

39. The kids don't want parents and grandparents moving in.

[valleyrogue]

64. It has always been a vicious lie. The billionaires and their corporate ilk

simply don't want to pay their share of FICA taxes.

The lies are insidious.

[DENVERPOPS]

94. Gotta tell you

For 8+ years, I have been saying; HE CAN"T/WON"T DO This or That........Looking back if you gave me a dollar bet on him doing something or not doing something, I would be retired....

[NotHardly]

68. I only have what I've seen him do... all the proof of the threats being real that I need.

Seeing it with my own eyes, hearing it with my own ears, and watching the Stock Market tank this week ... yeah, I'm good with my info rather some mansplaining stuff, thanks anyway.

[DENVERPOPS]

95. Indeed

Actions speak louder than words........

[SocialDemocrat61]

2. Thanks MineralMan

Always a sober and rational viewpoint.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Good stuff except for one thing. Some of us have signed up for email notices from SSA. Here's what the

website says: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/updates/

You can sign up to receive free E-mails and SMS/Texting that will let you know when popular socialsecurity.gov web pages have been updated.
How to Subscribe
A number of pages throughout socialsecurity.gov feature a link that looks like this:

Get Updates

Clicking on that link will allow you to subscribe to updates for that particular page. If you click on the link above you will be provided with a list of the available subscription pages. Some pages allow you to sign up for updates via SMS/Texting messages. By entering your cell phone number, you agree to receive automated text messages from the Social Security Administration when the information on the page you subscribed to is updated. Your carrier’s standard message and data rates apply.

You may select how often you wish to be notified (immediately, daily, weekly, or monthly). Please note that the topic you select may not be updated that frequently, depending on the topic.

How to Change or Cancel Your Subscription
Visit the subscription page to change or cancel your subscription at any time, or to update your subscriber profile. This option is also offered to you in all of the e-mail updates you receive.

[MineralMan]

9. Good point. If you're already check in on ssa.gov, that's a good idea.

Those messages are easily identifiable, too. I get them. I also get scam emails pretending to be from ssa.gov. If I want to see updates, I log in at ssa.gov. I will never click on links in any email or text message. Period. That's a hard and fast rule in my house. No link clicking in emails or any other messaging service. Period. Be safe, or you might be sorry.

[spooky3]

29. Also, usually the email's return address is suspicious.

These addresses often are from other countries, eg, xxxxx.de .

[Polly Hennessey]

4. Thanks 😊 I am in agreement. Trump likes to dangle shiny objects to distract us.

[Iris]

63. This. But I'd say he enjoys tormenting us and creating hysteria

[Wiz Imp]

5. Well said!

SS has had problems for a while because it has been understaffed for a long time. They also apparently recently had a disastrously botched IT modernization which specifically impacted their phone system.

Processing times for new signups for regular SS benefits have always been relatively good and I don't think that has changed. If/when they cut staff as they have announced they plan to do, then things may change, but it hasn't happened yet.

Signups for disability (SSDI) have always taken a lot longer, and I believe those wait times have gotten even longer recently. But regular SS still seems to be functioning mostly normally for now.

[MineralMan]

12. Yes. SSDI is a very different matter. If you're involved with that,

it can get very complex. SSI is another problem-ridden benefit. SSA benefits are pretty simple, though. The entire process is automated, so once you're getting regular benefits, those benefits are unlikely to be interrupted. Every year, there are adjustments, so it's important to log in at least once a year and check on the official documents that detail your benefits.

If you don't make changes, though, once you're in the system, you're in the system. It will take a major disaster to affect established accounts.

In other cases, though, like with people who are getting SSA benefits while living outside of the USA, things can be more complicated. I don't know much about that, but if you're in that situation, you need to monitor things more closely, I guess.

[elleng]

6. Right, we don't know what we don't know.

Most reliable 'predictor, imo, is likely former Commissioner Martin O'Malley, who discussed the matter(s) with CNN (ti think.) Would like to see his entire interview there.

O'Malley Oversight testimony: (HOUSE)

https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OMalley-Written-Testimony.pdf

Testimony by Martin O'Malley (SENATE)

https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_032024a.html

[Frasier Balzov]

11. He's the one who says the wheels are coming off.

And that the system is headed for collapse very soon.

[elleng]

13. Read the entirety of what he has testified, before House and Senate, attached.

[MineralMan]

17. But that's too hard. It's too long, too.

Who has time to read the whole thing?

[elleng]

27. ;-)

[TexasTowelie]

69. Can I have a summary, please?

[elleng]

74. Not simple, to provide summary.

Testimony by Martin O'Malley
Commissioner, Social Security Administration,
before the Senate Committee on Aging

March 20, 2024

THE CURRENT STATE

Social Security Is Serving More Customers Than Ever Before with Fewer Staff Than Ever Before.

By the end of FY 2024, SSA will serve over 7 million more beneficiaries with about 7,000 fewer full-time permanent staff when compared to FY 2015 (Figure 1). While modernization and other efficiencies have helped for some things, there is no way around the fact that the agency cannot keep doing more with less.

SSA Has Extremely Low Operating Expenses.

Members may be surprised to learn that Social Security has now been reduced to operate on less than one percent of its annual benefit payments. This is extremely low – much lower than private insurance companies. For instance, Allstate operates on 19 percent of its annual benefit payments, and Liberty Mutual operates on nearly 24 percent of its annual benefit payments.

Our Service and Customers are Suffering.

As a result of this historic underfunding and understaffing, Social Security faces a service delivery crisis. The situation is dire, and the public we serve is paying the price as they attempt to access the benefits that they have already worked their whole lives to earn. For example:

Backlogs in the States continue to grow.

HOW WE’RE ADDRESSING THE SERVICE DELIVERY CRISIS

As soon as I was sworn in three months ago, I announced my intent to focus the agency on three key service delivery challenges in 2024: disability determination wait times, National 800 Number wait times, and overpayment and underpayment inequities.

SecurityStat

On February 5, 2024, we launched SecurityStat, standing biweekly leadership meetings to track and align on key performance outcomes across rotating challenges. Many of you have kindly sent your staff to observe this new way of doing business at SSA. Your attention, your interest, and the presence of your staff at our side have been more deeply appreciated than you can know.

Overpayments and Underpayments

Our deeper understanding of the complexities of this problem has set us on the following course of action:

Starting next Monday, March 25, we will be ceasing the heavy-handed practice of intercepting 100 percent of an overpaid beneficiary’s monthly Social Security benefit by default if they fail to respond to our demand for repayment. Moving forward, we will now use a much more reasonable default withholding rate of 10 percent of monthly benefits — similar to the current rate in the SSI program.

We will be reframing our guidance and procedures so that the burden of proof shifts away from the claimant in determining whether there is any evidence that the claimant was at fault in causing the overpayment.

For the vast majority of beneficiaries who request to work out a repayment plan, we recently changed our policy so that we will approve repayment plans of up to 60 months. To qualify, Social Security beneficiaries would only need to provide a verbal summary of their income, resources, and expenses, and recipients of the means-tested SSI program would not need to provide even this summary. This change extended this easier repayment option by an additional two years (from 36 to 60 months).

And finally, we will be making it much easier for overpaid beneficiaries to request a waiver of repayment, in the event they believe themselves to have been without any fault and/or without the ability to repay.

Our FY 2025 Budget

I am confident that with the rapid cadence of accountability and collaboration that SecurityStat provides, and continuous solicitation of areas for improvement from employees and customers, we will begin to make forward progress. But we cannot do it alone; we need your help to ensure we have the necessary funding and staffing.

As the mayor of a cash-strapped city and then a recession-era governor, I’m quite familiar with operating on tight budgets. I also spent nearly a year intensely studying SSA materials from the outside before my confirmation. Even with all of that, SSA’s budget is far more dire than I thought. Years of underfunding have decimated our staffing levels and therefore also our ability to serve the public.

Coming off a challenging budget year in FY 2024, it is critical that we receive adequate funding in FY 2025. Approval of the FY 2025 President’s Budget request of $15.4 billion for SSA would allow us to begin making progress toward improving customer service.

[Frasier Balzov]

18. Those words were spoken before he saw the DOGE destruction.

He now speaks of collapse and interruption of benefits. And soon.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/01/doge-actions-may-cause-social-security-benefit-interruption-ex-agency-head.html

[elleng]

34. Right. More info:

Whose benefits may be most at risk
Yet experts say the benefits Americans rely on could be at risk based on the Trump administration’s overhaul of the agency.

“The American public needs to understand that one of their major social safety nets is in dire jeopardy,” said Jill Hornick, a union official at the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1395, which primarily represents Social Security offices in Illinois.

“It’ll take a while for the effects to be felt, but they’re coming,” Hornick said, predicting what will happen to Social Security is going to be “far worse” than the planned cuts to Medicaid.

For people who are already receiving Social Security benefits, most of that is automated and may not be affected, she said. However, processing new claims — whether it be for retirement or disability benefits — may take longer since those cannot be processed without Social Security employees, Hornick said.'

[Wounded Bear]

7. I posted elsewhere that I figure that ongoing benefits are not in danger yet...

If you're already set up with your direct deposit you should be OK. That part of the system is pretty well automated and should continue for now.

All of your suggestions are valuable. I keep in regular contact with my credit union, with online connections at least weekly, and usually several times a week, especially around my date to receive benefits. No problems so far.

I do fear that staff cuts and possible office closures will make that initial contact and signup period more difficult for new retirees trying to get into the system.

Still, we do have to keep an eye on them, for sure.

[hlthe2b]

10. Agree but this is not the only thing that has people stressing out so your useful (empowering) advice is paramount.

[yardwork]

38. That's the line to walk: practical, empowering actions.

Neither assume that all will be well nor panic, but take concrete protective steps.

Cut back on unnecessary expenditures, don't go deeper into debt, save money if possible, stay physically and emotionally healthy, etc.

[Frasier Balzov]

14. ANY payments coming through the U.S. Treasury are vulnerable.

That's kind of the point of the tactic.

No need to whip votes.

Just flip switches to the OFF position.

And when deemed insufficient, turn them to CLAWBACK.

Our frog is being boiled.

[mcar]

15. I check every month for my deposit date

This morning, everything is as usual. We have to be vigilant but it's not the time to panic.

Yet.

[Beringia]

16. Thank you, I have been trashing all the alarmist posts for now anyway

[MineralMan]

20. Personally, I just ignore them.

However, there are so many right now that I wanted to post something to calm the situation down just a little.

Things are fucked up right now. That's bad enough. There's reason to worry about stuff. So, we need to be watchful.

However, every bit of news is not a signal of disaster. It all has to be weighed. There are too many folks out there who make panic their living or their hobby.

[MineralMan]

26. Sadly, a lack of information often leads to unneccesary panic.

As you say, your mother is in a pretty good position, it sounds like. Letting her know that is probably a good idea, if it calms her down.

It's difficult. Most people have a very limited understanding of finances and that sort of thing. And, as we grow older, it can be more and more difficult to analyze a fast-moving news environment.

Difficult all around.

[FSogol]

19. A timely post!

[MineralMan]

22. Lots of alarm bells ringing just now.

Some of them are real; many are false or premature. It can be hard to sort out the two possibilities. So, it helps when someone does a little clarifying.

For example, despite the loss of some staff at SSA, there are still lots and lots of people working there who have, as their job, the responsibility to keep things running smoothly. They're still there, doing their job.

[JCMach1]

21. Respectfully, as much as we don't need to overreact, we also need to stop Panglossing

Nothing that has happened thus far has been better than I thought.

0

[MineralMan]

23. Panglossing is a fun word, isn't it?

I'm about clarifying. Sorry, but I will continue doing that, if you don't mind.

[JCMach1]

43. My point being it is absolutely the right reaction to freak TF

Out right now.


My only caveat is we don't let it paralyze us into inaction.

Let anger be the catalyst.

[MineralMan]

45. Freaking out is useless and a waste of time.

Instead, we should contact everyone we have individually elected to office and express our serious concerns.

Panic, which is what "freaking out" is, is non-productive.

Doing something, including communicating, however, is useful, even if the person you are contacting is not from your own party. Tell them what concerns you and why it is important.

[littlemissmartypants]

66. I call it...

Misuse of the imagination.

But I don't know why I'm sharing. Lately I can't share my opinions here without being attacked.

But I agree with you, MM. Thanks. ❤️

Panic, which is what "freaking out" is, is non-productive.

[JCMach1]

90. Not in the post-modern, subjugated by algorithm world we live in at the moment

Panic is one of the few things that may break through the layers of "shit" (literally what Steve Bannon calls it) for people.

[valleyrogue]

65. It is not healthy.

I have to hide every single thread and refuse to watch every single alarmist article or video that SS is in danger of being repealed.

I am absolutely sick of it.

[synni]

25. You have just proven that you don't know what you're talking about

If you got your benefit in February, you will almost certainly get it this month as well.

Benefits for disability recipients are NOT coming in March, because they were given on February 28, ahead of March 1 being on a weekend. The next payment will NOT come until April 1. Telling disability recipients that they will be paid in March, when they won't be paid until April 1, is a sure way to start the very panic you purport to prevent.

Furthermore, the time for taking action is BEFORE benefits are interrupted, not AFTER. Prevention is not "panic," it's common sense. Your posts, telling people not to be concerned until it's too late, are part of the problem.

(Edited for typo)

[MineralMan]

28. I am, as I said, addressing only SSA benefits.

SSI and SSDI benefits are not something I receive, so I know little about them.

[progree]

54. What are SSA benefits? The Social Security Administration administers SSI and SSDI, as well as the retirement

benefits that most people think of when they think of Social Security (I got my February retirement benefit payment too). But SSDI is as integral to Social Security as retirement benefits are. Part of our payroll taxes, and part of our income taxes on Social Security benefits pays for SSDI. It doesn't all go into retirement benefits.

Here is the latest Social Security Trustees Report, signed by four top Biden administration officials (including Martin O'Malley, Social Security Commissioner)
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) although administered by Social Security, yes, that is a completely separate program.

Understanding the Differences Between SSI and SSDI
https://www.progressivelifestylesinc.org/post/understanding-the-differences-between-ssi-and-ssdi

Some more on Social Security, debunking common myths and memes that are often found on DU posts (e.g. LBJ or Reagan or Congress raided the trust funds being the most popular "progressive" myth. ) -- with links to official sources as they were in the Biden administration, including a Social Security trustees report signed by four top Biden administration officials including then Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143369508#post9

[HuskyOffset]

44. By disability, do you mean SSI?

Because I'm on SSDI, and my payment drops the second Wed of every month. Dropped on time thus far, and is currently scheduled to drop 12 Mar. So, you should be careful to specify what you're talking about, or you'll cause the same confusion you're berating MineralMan for causing.

[Baron2024]

100. You Are Correct

Sitting around waiting for the axe to fall is not a good plan. We have to anticipate and prepare. My motto is- hope for the best, but plan for the worst. The OP is right that we should not let panic rule us, but I think that he is mistaken that we are not in real trouble. We have to anticipate our opponents next moves. In chess you have to see at least a few moves ahead. If you do not, you lose. If we sit around until our SS checks do not appear, it will be too late. We have to anticipate and that requires informed speculation. I think that the OP is erring by being too cautious. We need to get ahead of the situation. So I think that your comment is right on.

[GoneOffShore]

31. Our Social Security payments were deposited into our French bank account on time

And with no problem this month.

We have downloaded our benefit statements and earning records.

Plus we have frozen our credit reports with all three of the credit reporting vultures. Difficult to do in two cases, as Experian and TransUnion won't allow access from Europe.

[obamanut2012]

53. My old Dean is in Canada

Retired, and she also got hers.

[bronxiteforever]

33. Medicare is a more likely target. They want the SS fund

to go into the stock market aka 401 k. I don’t think seniors will have SS cuts but may have to spend their SS on healthcare if they cut Medicare and Medicaid.

[valleyrogue]

71. That's not happening, either.

Medicare and Medicaid are lifelines, and nobody is going to touch them if they care about ever being elected again.

[bronxiteforever]

75. I generally agree but to pass the tax cuts

for their real bosses they have to cut 100s of billions. The CBO remarked that to pay for the cuts would require cuts from Medicare/Medicaid. The GOPers said Medicare was off the table but you have to believe them to accept this.

Medicaid cuts won’t give them enough money to pay for the cuts without trashing our bond rating. They are faced with a choice and my experience is the GOP always chooses the rich. Maybe you are right and they will be afraid to cut these programs but I never thought I would see veterans treated the way they have been recently. That also used to be a third rail.

[GoodRaisin]

102. Medicaid and ACA will be first up.

I expect severe cuts in ACA subsidies if not the ACA altogether.

[gab13by13]

35. MM my source is Martin O'Malley

O’Malley was a former SSA commissioner.

He stated that in his opinion people could start getting delays in getting their SS payments in April.

No looking for the link, it can be Googled.

[MineralMan]

37. Frankly, I don't care what your source is.

Nope. What I wrote stands as my opinion on this. My opinion. For what that is worth.

As for O'Malley, I have read his testimony and what he has said. He is concerned. We should all be concerned. He is not, however, panicked. We also should not be.

I'm afraid I don't consider you to be a very reliable source on much of anything. Sorry about that.

[gab13by13]

67. Name 1 thing I have been wrong about?

I only use a handful of sources.

You are 0 for 1 on the subject of SS

Who are your reliable sources?

[MineralMan]

72. I'm not going there.

Or anywhere.

[CountAllVotes]

59. Here you go!

Last edited Thu Mar 6, 2025, 05:33 PM - Edit history (1)

>>Martin O'Malley
@MartinOMalley
Social Security is being driven to a total system collapse. I give the DOGE kids and co- President Musk 30-90 days before they crater it to the point of interruption of benefits.From: twitter ----> account is Martin O'Malley dated Feb. 26, 2025

Link to tweet

[progree]

101. Martin O'Malley was the Social Security Commissioner under Pres. Biden. Also one of the 4 SS & Medicare trustees

The latest Social Security and Medicare report --
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/

The report is signed by four high Democratic officials.

Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, and Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds.
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Trustee.
Julie A. Su, Acting Secretary of Labor, and Trustee.
Martin O'Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, and Trustee

[yardwork]

36. I suggest that people download their social security reports from ssa.gov

I don't think the Republicans intend to abruptly cut off social security payments, but I don't trust Musk or his 19 year old college drop out wrecking crew. They are making a lot of mistakes already. It's not far-fetched to consider that they might, accidentally or deliberately, "delete" our earnings records.

This is a bigger deal for those of us who haven't applied for social security yet. I expect to do so within a few years. The only official record of my lifetime earnings, which is what the government will use to determine my social security benefit, is on ssa.gov

I'm downloading my report every month and saving it, just in case.

[MineralMan]

41. Yes. Good idea!

[Lovie777]

40. Thank you..................

I'm trying to keep my father-in-law calm about his monthly SS that he worked for over 40 years. Every 2nd Wednesday of each month he gets direct deposit.

[MineralMan]

42. And he should continue to get those monthly benefits.

I don't think he should worry. If those stop, we are all in way more trouble than I can imagine. I think they will continue, though.

[WarGamer]

46. thank you for injecting reality into an ocean of emotional based screeds...

[MineralMan]

48. My pleasure.

It's what I try to do here.

[WarGamer]

50. It's a full time job and the team is small...

[MineralMan]

51. Yeah, but I'm retired now.

So, I can peck away on my keyboard as much as I wish.

[Cirsium]

47. Right

Why would anyone expect bad things from Trump?

[MineralMan]

49. What did I get wrong? Please provide details.

Until then, bye...

[Cirsium]

86. No problem

This:

"Some people just naturally want to get as many people stirred up and worried as they can. That makes them feel more important. Don't be taken in by alarmists trying to scare you."

To which I could say:

"Some people just naturally want to get as many people pacified as they can. That makes them feel more important. Don't be taken in by centrists trying to lull you into complacency."

But of course I won't.

Some are worried about the alarmists. Others are more worried about complacency. There is some validity to the opinions from both camps. You made a valuable contribution to the discussion on this issue until the paragraph that I cited.

Most of the people sounding the alarm about the Trump phenomenon have been right most of the time. There are far more people in denial tha there are in a panic.

[Puppyjive]

52. O'Malley

He is telling it like it is. Social security is way understaffed. They are reducing the agency by 7000 employees. Who do you think manages your benefits? This is not a rumor. Those are the facts people.

[MineralMan]

56. Well, Puppyjive,

I've read him. He's one source, and has inside knowledge. However, SSA recipients who are already receiving benefits are in an automated system that deposits their benefits every month. That's not dependent on staffing, really. And that's what I'm talking about. If you are already receiving regular benefits, you can probably relax a little and worry less.

If you're just getting on those benefits, though, you can expect it to take longer to get them established and into the automated system. I don't know a lot about that. I've been getting SSA benefits since I was 62 years old. I'm 79 now. So, that's what I'm familiar with. I can't speak about any other aspect of Social Security. SSDI and SSI are two programs I don't know about. I know something about Medicare, but very little about Medicaid, for the same reasons. So, I'll leave commentary on those to someone else.

[intrepidity]

76. Yes, it is an automated system

And if the Musk boys get their grubby fingers in it and *inadvertantly* break things, oh well, whoops, sorry; and now there's even less staff on board to communicate with, or who can repair the damage.

That happens to be my main concern.

BTW, if you haven't yet seen this, you may find it informative:

https://www.crisesnotes.com/musk-in-your-computers-paul-krugman-interviews-nathan-tankus/

[Puppyjive]

110. I know a little bit.....

I work there.

[OldBaldy1701E]

55. I don't have to believe anything.

My experience with Social Security has been more than enough to formulate my opinion on what needs to happen to it.

Let's hope that Social Security is not messed with. The results would be very bad.

[SWBTATTReg]

57. Wise words that need to be paid attention to. Thank you.

I do understand the fear of some, who in hindsight, perhaps react too fast to any sort of negative news (really should be called vague rumors) regarding Social Security. They are afraid, and are expressing their fears, but unfortunately, their unfounded fears are doing no good to anyone. I have faith. Too many of us have paid into Social Security for multiple decades, and for them to yank them away after multiple decades under different administrations, makes doing something seriously disruptive, unlikely.

Stay the course. Maintain your composure. Read any news on social security w/ a grain of salt. We earned these benefits. For any entity to yank these benefits away would result in a tsunami of lawsuits, and judges hopefully would stop any such unilateral actions on those who would do so much harm to us by stopping, modifying, yanking away our benefits that we all earned over many decades of work.

[ForgedCrank]

58. It's all

scare-mongering. Trump is what he is, but there will be no cuts for SS benefits. for as long as I can remember, this is the same song every cycle... "they are going to take away your [insert benefit here]". Most times, the lie is regarding Social Security benefits.
I'm finding that just about everything I read regarding what Trump did, is going to do, or might do, is all exaggerated, flat-out lies, or pure speculation, with the tiniest bit of truth sprinkled on top to make it appear real.
When I read this crap, I start looking into it myself and by a large margin, most of the time it is quite literally just propaganda. We would do better if we started rejecting this stuff and calling it out for what it is when we see it.
We should focus on the stupid crap he really has done rather that spreading or believing this sort of garbage.

[rzemanfl]

60. Getting people upset about their Social Security is part of the psyop

Last edited Thu Mar 6, 2025, 05:56 PM - Edit history (1)

we've been, and are being, forced to live through. Some years ago, someone stole my identity, set up an online account and told the SSA I moved to California. Fortunately, SSA sent me a letter about that. I had to go to the local office to straighten the mess out before the crooks moved my direct deposit. I suspended online access. Next week I have an appointment to end the suspension so I can access my information again. I would like to get my earnings history before Elon and Big Balls decide to change or disappear it.

I agree with you in general, but who knows what will happen as this nightmare progresses?

[valleyrogue]

61. I wish I could recommend this a thousand times.

I have started hiding threads and refusing to listen to videos trying to undermine support for the system by saying it is going to be destroyed.

If anybody tries to destroy it, they are done for good.

[Gore1FL]

62. They may not be targeting it, but they are targeting the people that make it run.

They are breaking things they don't understand and nothing is truly safe.

[progree]

92. DOGE Deletes Agency Behind Login.gov, IRS Direct File, Other Tech Projects, PCMag, March 2, 2025

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/doge-deletes-agency-behind-login-gov-irs-direct-file-other-tech-projects/ar-AA1A5USE

Just one example.

[BeneteauBum]

70. I tend to ignore speculation....

All it does is cause more panic. Keep your head together and react to confirmed developments.
Peace ☮️

[stoned]

73. Its all a psyop

Its cruel and seemingly totally unnecessary, but its a psyop. He is distracting from something else, just like he always does.

[CTyankee]

77. Good post. I check in my account every month and so does my oldest daughter who is on my account and can step in on

my behalf if she sees anything amiss. She is in Boston and I am in New Haven so she could be here in a couple of hours if need be.

[slightlv]

78. You make good points with

good common sense. I don't have your sense they won't cut tho. tho
I didn't have across the government mass firings on my bingo card. Nor did I have a non-governmental employee rooting around in our PI. I stopped being incredulous a long time ago when it comes to trump.

[spanone]

79. K&R

[BComplex]

80. Joe Biden was in charge until January 20. The February SS payment was keyed up when he was still president.

I'm a little bit worried about March, but I'm REALLY worried about April's payment.

[MineralMan]

84. I'm not worried yet.

Trump appears to be backing off some of Musk's actions. I'm watching.

[DFW]

88. I checked back with the USA, and my March payment arrived.

But I don’t live and die with my SS benefit. Those who live with nothing else to fall back on have every reason to want reassurance.

[MineralMan]

89. Yes. Reassurance.

Hard to come by. However, there's plenty of unsupported doom and gloom. That's not useful, either.

[DFW]

99. The doom and gloom are inevitable by-products of the current situation

Since the Administration has not gone out of its way to tell people in certain groups they have nothing to worry about, some people in all groups think they have something to worry about.

[BComplex]

97. Without our SS check, my husband and I are going to have to drastically change our everyday lives.

We do have a little other income. But there are millions of seniors and orphans and disabled people who totally rely on those SS checks. It would be the worst financial catastrophe this nation has seen since the great depression. All those SS checks get spent, contributing to our economy.

[DFW]

103. Fortunately, we're not there

My wife and I receive the payments, but 50% of that goes in German tax, and since I still work, another $9900 goes from my paycheck back to the US government. We get to keep less than a third of what we are paid out. I am very glad we don’t depend on it.

[Baron2024]

81. Following

Following this thread.

[Evolve Dammit]

82. Disagree. SS is entirely on the chopping block. As is Medicare and Medicaid. They want it all. nt

[Think. Again.]

83. We know that trump is capable and willing to do the worst things he can....

...I believe we SHOULD be very concerned about SS, and that we should be preparing for the worst, and that we should be spreading the word far and wide that trump could very well disrupt the lifeline that so many Americans of every political stripe rely on.

[MadameButterfly]

111. They are doing what they did to convince us the 202 election was stolen

There is no doubt they are trying to destroy SS.
However, there is much doubt that they will accomplish anything they intend. If they succeed in stopping even 1 month of SS checks, it will be all over for them.

They are having to walk back smaller mistakes than cutting SS.
They have not even succeeded in deporting as many immigrants as Obama or Biden. Their biggest goal.
(I don't mean to be touting Obama and Bidenon this issue, just pointing out how bad Trump is at doint anything)

Americans should be aware how much destruction Trump is doing and how nefarious his motives are.
But too much fear can help them. It's a narrow path. How to resist without living in fear.
We are not Weimar Germany. We are too informed. We will win.

[Hassler]

85. He's already caused me a problem. In January

When Biden was still in office, my money was deposited without me giving it a thought.

But now, as you've said, I have to wonder and then check to make sure the money shows up. Every month for at least the next four years.

[voteragain]

87. Critical Thinking

I don't like what's going on either but I'm not going to let Trump ruin my day!

1)Monday 3rd my wife was setting up her online login account and we weren't sure we did it right to get the letter with the code to finish the process. I forget what the code is actually called but it comes in the mail, and we do not receive USPS mail at our physical address. All business is sent to a Po Box. That is how we get our correspondence/tax/credit cards whatever.

Sooooooo...we called SSA and left a call back number. Recording said about 90 min wait. Around 90 or so minutes, got the call and the person was very help full and helped us out.

I know things are a mess but some of the horror stories from people doesn't help anyone. I have more trouble getting answers from my bank on the phone.

Yes, my wife and I are rattled too but looking for bad all the time isn't good for digestion. Brain or stomach.

The 2+ minute articles I read from various sources explaining the drama of what is going on with SSA most times leads to a back door looky what we have investments that are so much better than SSA.

We received our direct deposits as usual Sunday set up that they have in FEB with the usual pending by my bank until the second Wednesday date comes up.

We shall see what March brings.

2) what the R's have been trying to do to Social Security is nothing new. The Ponzi talk is same old same old.

I can remember the smooth talk by Sympson and Bowls (can't remember spelling) and Paul Ryan and his hypocrisy.

Hang tough and vote...........

[DENVERPOPS]

91. Do you feel the same about

Medicare, Medicaid, Food assistance...........?

[MineralMan]

98. Yes, I do.

I have logged into all of the agencies I deal with.

[DENVERPOPS]

104. Compliment you MM

on being able to stay positive........

[Ocelot II]

93. I logged on to ssa.gov a couple weeks ago because I wanted to see if I still could,

and I had no problem. I lost my social security card years ago, figured I should get a new one in case the system does crash and I might need it someday (haven't needed since I lost it sometime in the 80s, but you never know), I ordered one and it arrived in the mail on Monday, as promised. I also copied my payment history. Whether things continue to operate this smoothly remains to be seen; I don't trust Musk's rabid DOGE as far as I could throw a grand piano. So it's sensible to keep a close eye on your account and log in periodically, but I'm not going to panic, at least not yet.

[cer7711]

96. Trump didn't spend 15' in that address to Congress telling outrageous lies about SS . . .

Last edited Thu Mar 6, 2025, 06:41 PM - Edit history (1)

. . . only to ignore the whole issue/program.

He is setting the stage for planned demolition of the program.

"Believe them when they tell you who they are."

[Scrivener7]

105. Bookmarking.

[3825-87867]

106. The Milkman from the 50s doesn't deliver any longer...

so we had to go to the store ourselves to get milk. The price of milk went up even though WE supplied the "work and expense" to go get our milk so the owners and investors could make more money.
Curious how businesses and government work together most times. They hook you on a service then make you go to the self serve checkout and do others work so the owners and new investors can make more money.

Now, a third party comes along and decides it's in the company's (gov) interests to save money, which is NOT passed on to the consumer.

So, don't panic, as Douglas Adams said. Just be happy we don't have locusts (Sgt Yemana on Barney Miller!)

Now go about your business and let those in charge get their due, right?

[Akakoji]

107. Very uninformed and Damaging Post.

What you state has never been true. You are only speaking for yourself, from a very uninformed place. Sometimes it takes years, especially for people with disabilities, to start to receive benefits. Calm and silence is neither useful nor constructive. Ever. In any political or civil discourse. Most people that depend on SSA or SSD would starve or go without medications if their checks were late for even 2 weeks. It can take years to straighten out SSA claims.

"I also know people who have just filed for their social security benefits recently. They have already heard that they will start getting benefits shortly, just as it has been for years.

Sure you have.

I highly recommend that people directly call their elected reps, including Senators, House members, Governors, state health commissioners now and frequently to let them now they will not sit back and wait and see if the Russian Puppet does.

Some people just naturally want to get as many people stirred up and worried as they can. That makes them feel more important. Don't be taken in by alarmists trying to scare you. You can go find out what's going on for yourself and check other sources.

And some people just naturally want to feel important by talking about alarmists "taking them in" What does that even mean? You have zero clue as to the magnitude of the changes being made. The FDA has already cancelled vaccine approval meetings. You may not be able to even get medications you need to stay alive. Please don't tell anyone to stay calm. It's none of your business.

Nursing homes, pharmacies, home health care aides, and many businesses that depend on stable incomes of their customers don't have the luxury to speculate on what will happen. Many of them are already being laid off. And we are all aware of the number of people that have been laid off already at tghe federal level. And all the people that have lost their jobs.

If you trust anything on the CMS website at this point you are truly oblivious to what is going on. You know President Musk has already scrubbed entire sections of the SS websites - after stealing the data, right?

[JCMach1]

113. This is the correct answer. This post stuck in my craw

More that any since Jan..20.

And I will say again, 0 times have I underestimated the damage the 🍊 💩 🗣️ has done or will do. In in fact, he has a damn good record of exceeding expectations.

I don't panic for anything. The reality is we are getting F'd.in so many ways right now it boggles the mind.

And honestly, I didn't expect this kind of (it may not be so bad) gaslighting from our side.

We need to pay attention, and yes however bad you think it might be, the reality is way worse because everything is not getting out due to captured media.

[Akakoji]

114. And they are also definitely discussing Social Security cuts in private, and now public. Elimination is the plan.

It's all written down.

[William769]

108. This is my approach

Expect the best, prepare for the worst.

[Hekate]

109. Thanks for the level-headed OP, MinMan

We can all use a good dose of that

[ailsagirl]

112. Thanks for this, MineralMan

I still can't quite believe that all this isn't a bad dream-- it seems everything I have read about SS is bad news-- very bad news. So your post allowed me to take a step back and breathe (no small feat)! I know that we're not out of the woods yet, but I'm feeling a bit better now and that's worth a lot.