Millions of Americans are watching with concern the changes being made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the cuts of thousands of jobs at the Social Security Administration (SSA), motivated, he says, by cutting “superfluous” spending by the Federal Government.
The SSA faces operational challenges after the implementation of measures promoted by the DOGE department, led by Elon Musk. Cuts of 7,000 employees and the closure of 20 regional offices have reduced service capacity, according to internal sources.
The problems that DOGE causes for Social Security: not everyone agrees
Users report delays of weeks to schedule appointments or resolve basic procedures. The SSA digital platform also has recurring failures, affecting beneficiaries in rural areas who depend on online services. “Before, everything was more streamlined,” said a Nebraska retiree on condition of anonymity.
DOGE tried to access SSA databases (with beneficiaries’ private data) claiming to combat fraud, but the figures disclosed included errors already corrected during the pandemic. Privacy experts warned about the risks of disseminating decontextualized information. A federal judge temporarily blocked the department’s access to sensitive data, citing a lack of security protocols.
Office closures and staff reductions have led to delays in payments and appeals. Beneficiaries with disabilities reported receiving contradictory information about their status. “Everything takes twice as long now,” said a social worker in Texas. Unstable digital systems complicate updating data or requesting aid.
Retiree organizations and unions demand Congress investigate the relationship between DOGE and the SSA. They ask for clarity in the criteria for cuts and the restoration of services without compromising the security of information. They warn that, without intervention, the system could collapse.
“A disaster in the making” over Social Security
Michelle King, former acting commissioner of the SSA, resigned in February 2025 after refusing to collaborate with DOGE. His replacement, Leland Dudek, faces investigations for sharing sensitive data. Instability in leadership aggravates the operational crisis, according to analysts.
With 54.4 million retirees relying on average benefits of $1,975 per month, disruptions could affect the finances of multigenerational households. Martin O’Malley, former commissioner, warned of possible delays in payments within 30 to 90 days if the cuts are not reversed.
“We are watching with growing concern how the decisions of the Department of Government Efficiency, under the direction of Mr. Musk, are dismantling SSA’s critical infrastructure,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
“The elimination of 7,000 jobs and the closure of essential offices not only compromises operational efficiency, but also puts at risk the access of millions of citizens to vital benefits. This is a disaster in the making,” he added.
How many are the maximums of Social Security in 2025?
In 2025, the maximum amount of monthly Social Security benefits in the United States varies depending on the age at which a person decides to retire and their earnings history when they were actively working.
To reach the maximum retirement benefit, you must have had taxable income at the maximum allowable for at least 35 years and decide to delay retirement until age 70.
If you decide to retire at 62, the youngest age to access benefits, your monthly pension will be lower for life. For those born in 1960 or later, this means receiving 30% less than if they waited until 67, their full retirement age. The advantage of getting paid sooner contrasts with a reduced income that could affect long-term plans.
For example, for those born in 1960 or later, the reduction is 30% compared to what they would receive if they waited until their full retirement age, which is 67 years for this group. This means that while they could start receiving payments sooner, the monthly amount would be considerably less.
Payments increase a lot if you wait until your full retirement age (FRA) or more
Reaching full retirement age (67 years for those born in 1960 or later) allows you to collect 100% of the calculated benefit. In 2025, this maximum amount reaches $4,018 per month, an inflation-adjusted increase compared to previous years. This scenario is usually the preferred midpoint for those seeking balance between income and free time.
Those who choose this age avoid permanent cuts, but must plan how to cover expenses if they stop working early. A Florida teacher explains: “I waited until I was 67 so I wouldn’t worry about adjusting my budget each month. Now I travel without fear of falling short.”
Postponing retirement beyond 67 can significantly increase your pension. For each additional year of waiting, up to age 70, the benefit grows 8%. In 2025, this allows up to $5,108 per month, an amount reserved for those who had high salaries and prioritized maximizing their savings.
A former technology company employee in California exemplifies this: “I worked until I was 70 and now I receive almost $1,000 more a month than if I had retired earlier. That covers health expenses that I did not anticipate.” However, this option requires good health and the ability to continue working, a luxury not available to everyone.
