New changes at the U.S. Social Security Administration may put its ability to deliver monthly benefit checks at risk, former agency head says.

Summary

Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley warns that actions by Elon Musk threaten to disrupt Social Security payments within 30-90 days, something that has never happened in the program’s 80+ year history.

Following leadership upheaval, including the resignation of acting commissioner Michelle King, and significant staff cuts leading to system outages, O’Malley advises beneficiaries to “start saving now.”

The administration is planning to terminate leases at approximately 45 Social Security locations.

Critics call these moves a “backdoor benefit cut” that will particularly impact new applications and in-person services for elderly and disabled Americans.