In a period marked by administrative changes and public scrutiny, Acting Social Security Commissioner Dudek has pledged to ensure the longevity and reliability of the Social Security Administration (SSA) for at least the next 90 years. This commitment comes as the agency faces internal restructuring, external criticism, and concerns over its financial sustainability.
Leadership Transition and Commitment to Transparency
Following the resignation of former Commissioner Michelle King, Dudek assumed the role of acting chief of the SSA. In a recent statement, he emphasized the agency’s dedication to transparency and accuracy in its operations. Addressing reports about individuals over 100 years old allegedly receiving benefits, Dudek clarified that such claims stem from database records lacking death dates, not from actual disbursements.
He stated, “The reported data are people in our records with a Social Security number who do not have a date of death associated with their record. These individuals are not necessarily receiving benefits.”
Addressing Concerns Over Improper Payments
The SSA has faced scrutiny over improper payments. A July 2024 report from the agency’s inspector general revealed that from fiscal years 2015 through 2022, the SSA disbursed approximately $8.6 trillion in benefits, with about $71.8 billion less than 1% classified as improper payments. Most of these were overpayments to living individuals rather than payments to the deceased.
In response to concerns about payments to deceased individuals, the U.S. Treasury, in early 2025, recovered over $31 million in various federal payments, including Social Security, that were improperly issued to dead people. This recovery was part of a pilot program utilizing the SSA’s “Full Death Master File,” which contains over 142 million records dating back to 1899.
Navigating Administrative Changes and Budgetary Constraints
The SSA is undergoing significant restructuring under the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. Plans include reducing the workforce from 57,000 to 50,000 and consolidating regional offices from ten to four.
Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley expressed concerns that these changes could lead to service interruptions and delays in benefit payments, advising beneficiaries to save money to manage potential disruptions.
Critics argue that the SSA requires more staff, not fewer, to operate efficiently, especially as it faces challenges like increased customer call wait times and a historic low in staffing levels.
Political Discourse Surrounding Social Security
Former President Joe Biden has publicly criticized the current administration’s approach to Social Security, accusing President Donald Trump and Elon Musk of aggressively downsizing the SSA. Biden highlighted the psychological toll on beneficiaries and denounced Musk’s characterization of Social Security as a Ponzi scheme.
In defense, the Trump administration has expanded fraud investigations and issued a memo titled “Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits,” aiming to scrutinize earnings reports for individuals aged 100 or older. While the administration asserts these measures are to protect taxpayers, opponents view them as a pretext for broader cuts to the program.
Ensuring the Future of Social Security
Despite the challenges, Acting Commissioner Dudek remains optimistic about the SSA’s future. He expressed confidence that, with the help of the Department of Government Efficiency and the commitment of the SSA’s workforce, the agency will continue to deliver for the American people.
The SSA, established in 1935, administers a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. As of 2022, the program’s total cost was approximately $1.244 trillion, about 5.2% of the U.S. GDP.
