Over 4 Million New Yorkers at Risk as ‘DOGE’ Slashes SSA Staff and Shutters Offices
Social Security Services Are Breaking Down Amid Crashing Websites, Long Wait Times & Office Closures
The Social Security system is on the brink of collapse as Senator Chuck Schumer warns that Donald Trump and Elon Musk, through their ‘DOGE’ initiative, are systematically dismantling Social Security Administration (SSA) services. The crisis threatens over 4.3 million New Yorkers, who rely on $7+ billion in monthly Social Security benefits to cover essential living costs.
Schumer sounded the alarm over SSA website crashes, two-hour phone wait times, and forced in-person visits as ‘DOGE’ cuts more than 7,000 SSA workers—a 12% reduction in agency staff—leading to office closures across New York.
Schumer: ‘DOGE’ Needs to Get Their Hands Off the Program
“The Trump-Musk cabal is taking a chainsaw to Social Security, making it harder for seniors, people with disabilities, and families to get their benefits,” Schumer said. “This is a direct attack on the millions of New Yorkers who rely on Social Security every month.”
What’s Happening to the Program in New York?
- SSA website has crashed four times in 10 days, blocking access to accounts.
- Phone wait times exceed 2+ hours with staff cuts reducing assistance.
- SSA is closing offices, including locations in Westchester and Chemung County.
- Trump & Musk are forcing in-person visits while simultaneously shutting down offices.
- SSA staff at lowest levels in 50 years, with 7,000+ layoffs planned.
Social Security Cuts: County-by-County Impact in New York
| Region | Beneficiaries | Total Payments Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Region | 287,704 | $509,831,000 |
| Western NY | 359,603 | $607,973,000 |
| Rochester-Finger Lakes | 323,274 | $564,706,000 |
| Central NY | 197,407 | $338,701,000 |
| Hudson Valley | 487,974 | $942,849,000 |
| Southern Tier | 203,366 | $331,706,000 |
| Mohawk Valley | 113,343 | $177,575,000 |
| North Country | 114,890 | $178,568,000 |
| Upstate NY Total | 2,087,561 | $3,651,909,000 |
The Looming Collapse of Social Security Services
Experts, including former SSA Administrator Martin O’Malley, warn that with the proposed cuts, the system could collapse within 30-90 days, leading to:
- 9-month wait times for disability claims processing.
- 8-month delays for benefit appeals.
- 11-month waits for benefit hearings.
Schumer emphasized that SSA beneficiaries now face a bureaucratic nightmare that makes it harder to receive payments.
Schumer Calls for Action: ‘Protect Social Security Now’
Senator Schumer is urging congressional Republicans, especially those in the NY delegation, to take a stand against ‘DOGE’ and halt the planned cuts. He insists that Social Security is not a “ponzi scheme,” as Musk has claimed, but a lifeline for millions of Americans.
What Can You Do?
- Contact your representatives and demand they protect Social Security.
- Share your story if you are experiencing delays or disruptions in SSA services.
- Stay informed as this crisis unfolds and action is taken to secure benefits.
Bottom Line
If Social Security cuts continue, millions of New Yorkers could see delays, disruptions, or even a collapse of their benefits. With offices shutting down, websites failing, and wait times increasing, Schumer is calling on Washington to stop Trump, Musk, and ‘DOGE’ from dismantling Social Security.
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