Social Security checks at risk: Ex-agency head warns of first-ever disruption
For nearly 90 years, Social Security checks have gone out without fail—but that streak may soon be broken. Former Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O’Malley warns that mounting internal damage could soon lead to historic benefit interruptions.
A 90-Year Record Could Be Broken
Since August 14, 1935, the SSA has maintained an unblemished record of delivering monthly benefits to millions of Americans. But according to O’Malley, who led the agency under President Joe Biden, that run could soon come to an end. Speaking to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee this week, he stated:
“It ultimately will lead to cascading failures, interruptions and system shutdowns that will eventually—and I think within the next couple of months—lead to benefit interruptions for the first time in 90 years.”
What’s Driving the Crisis?
O’Malley pointed to what he called the “Trump co-presidency,” including Elon Musk’s growing influence over the federal government and agencies like the SSA. He described the current situation as one of deliberate sabotage:
- Staffing has dropped to a five-year low, despite record-high demand due to the Baby Boomer generation aging into the system.
- Efforts to reduce staff further, shutter field offices, and limit public access to SSA services are compounding the strain.
- Internal systems once praised for their efficiency are now under threat, including SecurityStat—a performance improvement program O’Malley implemented before leaving the agency.
Disinformation and Distrust Fuel the Fire
O’Malley also addressed growing misinformation campaigns about Social Security, which he believes are designed to undermine public trust.
He cited a recent rally where Elon Musk falsely claimed:
- That illegal immigrants are stealing benefits—despite laws clearly prohibiting undocumented individuals from collecting Social Security.
- That 40% of SSA calls are scams—when in reality, only 1 in 3,100 calls result in a successful fraud attempt.
The actual fraud rate is just 0.000095% of all SSA payments, according to O’Malley. In 2024, only $133 million out of $1.4 trillion in benefits were impacted by fraud—lower than fraud rates in private financial institutions.
A $2.7 Trillion Surplus in Jeopardy?
Social Security is funded by payroll taxes under a pay-as-you-go system, with a built-up trust fund surplus designed to support the Baby Boomer generation. That surplus currently stands at $2.7 trillion.
But O’Malley warned that the long-term stability of the program is being jeopardized—not by insolvency, but by deliberate mismanagement:
“This agency should be able to function for another 90 years… The long-term viability of this agency should not be in question. It’s only in question now because of the chainsaw that is gutting this agency.”
Closing Offices, Delaying Help
Proposed staffing cuts and office closures could leave millions of elderly Americans stranded, especially those who rely on in-person help to resolve issues. O’Malley said the strategy appears to be:
“Give people the worst possible experience… So then, after wrecking it, they can rob it.”
What’s Next for Social Security?
Despite warnings, the SSA still maintains:
- A 99%+ payment accuracy rate.
- An overhead cost of just 1.2%, far lower than private insurers.
- A loyal and overworked staff that has managed an increasing workload with shrinking resources.
But without action, O’Malley fears those accomplishments may not be enough to prevent the first missed payments in SSA history.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security checks have never been missed in 90 years—but that record may end soon.
- Former SSA head Martin O’Malley says mismanagement and misinformation are threatening the system.
- Fraud rates remain low, and most claims about benefit theft are false or exaggerated.
- The agency holds a $2.7 trillion surplus, but faces cuts to staffing and public access.
- Urgent action may be needed to protect millions of retirees from disrupted payments.
Stay Informed
To check your Social Security benefits or update your payment method, visit ssa.gov or log into your mySocialSecurity account. For updates on agency operations and congressional hearings, follow official SSA and oversight committee communications.