Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and DOGE staffers falsely claimed widespread Social Security fraud, despite the actual fraud rate being extremely low (0.00625%). This rhetoric, echoing similar statements by Commerce Secretary Lutnick, is part of a broader Republican effort to dismantle the program through service cuts and staff reductions. Critics argue this orchestrated chaos, including website crashes and long wait times, is a precursor to privatizing Social Security, despite assurances from President Trump to the contrary. These actions, including new verification rules causing significant delays for beneficiaries, are seen as a backdoor method to effectively reduce benefits.
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DOGE’s struggle to uncover fraud within the Social Security Administration (SSA) isn’t a matter of incompetence alone; it points to a deeper issue – the inherent scarcity of widespread fraud within the system. The very notion that a significant search is needed suggests a pre-existing bias towards finding fault, a tactic often employed to undermine an institution. This approach focuses on exceptional cases rather than the rule, a strategy commonly used to discredit established systems. Much like the repeated failed attempts to prove widespread voter fraud, this search for Social Security fraud may be driven by a desire to justify pre-conceived conclusions.… Continue reading
To combat over $100 million in annual direct deposit fraud, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will implement stricter identity verification measures starting March 31st. This necessitates in-person visits to field offices for new applicants and those changing direct deposit information, impacting those with limited online access or mobility. While the SSA aims to expedite direct deposit changes to one business day, concerns remain regarding the impact on accessibility, particularly given planned office closures and staff layoffs. Critics argue these changes create unnecessary obstacles for beneficiaries, potentially furthering privatization efforts.
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The Trump administration and Elon Musk falsely claimed millions of deceased centenarians are receiving Social Security benefits, a figure significantly inflating the actual problem of improper payments. While improper payments, including some to deceased individuals, exist, the majority of erroneous payments were overpayments to the living, totaling less than 1% of total benefits. The inflated figures stem from outdated software and incomplete death records, not widespread fraud involving impossibly aged recipients. The administration’s focus on this issue distracts from more substantial areas of government financial waste.
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Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claims widespread fraud in federal entitlement programs, estimating losses exceeding $50 billion annually. This assertion, based on alleged inconsistencies in Social Security Number usage and payments to individuals lacking identification, has prompted significant criticism. Concerns over DOGE’s access to sensitive personal data have led to a preliminary injunction halting their access to Treasury Department records. The legality and impact of DOGE’s involvement remain contentious, with legal challenges ongoing.
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Through a 2021 Congressional act granting temporary access, the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service has already recovered over $31 million in improper Social Security payments made to deceased individuals using the SSA’s Full Death Master File. This initiative, projected to recover over $215 million by 2026, demonstrates significant progress in combating fraud and waste within the Social Security system. The Treasury advocates for permanent access to the file to further enhance program integrity and safeguard taxpayer funds. The incoming administration’s stance on continuing this effort remains unclear.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood