As millions of people rely on Social Security to survive, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are issuing an urgent warning: the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, are endangering monthly benefits for more than 4 million residents across the state.
“Chainsaw Cuts” Threaten Essential Benefits
“Trump and Musk are taking a chainsaw to Social Security operations in New York,” Schumer said. “They’re closing offices, crashing websites, and leaving seniors stuck on hold for hours. If they keep this up, it’s only a matter of time before benefits are disrupted.”
Over $7 Billion in Monthly Payments at Risk
Across the state, the stakes are massive. Schumer said over $7 billion in monthly payments are at risk, with 2.1 million upstate residents receiving nearly $3.7 billion per month. Although these benefits help families pay rent, buy groceries, and cover health care costs, service delays are growing worse by the day.
Within the last ten days, the Social Security website crashed four times. Wait times on SSA phone lines now often exceed two hours. Meanwhile, DOGE plans to eliminate more than 7,000 SSA staff positions nationwide.
Two field offices in New York—White Plains and Big Flats—have already shut their doors. Despite this, the administration is rolling out a new policy requiring people to verify their identities in person. That’s a challenge for rural residents and anyone with limited mobility.
DOGE’s Cuts Hurt Seniors and the Disabled
Although DOGE claims to streamline federal operations, critics argue that it is straining essential services. The agency has reduced in-person and phone support, forcing people to use online tools. However, many older adults lack reliable internet access or aren’t comfortable using digital systems.
“These changes mean people may not get their checks in time,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When there’s no one at the local office to help, that’s a real loss. This is a cut to benefits—just without calling it one.”
Long Waits and Service Delays Already Taking a Toll
The staffing shortage is already having a serious impact. According to experts, delays will continue to grow:
- Disability claims could take nine months to process.
- Appeals may take eight months.
- Benefit hearings might stretch to 11 months.
Former SSA Administrator Martin O’Malley issued a stark warning. “If these cuts continue,” he said, “the system will collapse within 30 to 90 days.”
Across the state, New Yorkers are already feeling the pain. In the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, over 323,000 residents receive nearly $565 million each month. The Hudson Valley sees nearly 488,000 residents depending on $943 million in monthly payments.
New Rules Create More Barriers for Vulnerable Residents
DOGE’s new in-person verification rule is especially burdensome for people in rural areas or those with disabilities. As more field offices close, fewer seniors can get the help they need.
“Elon Musk may not understand how much a senior depends on Social Security to survive, but New Yorkers do,” Schumer said. “Social Security isn’t waste—it’s a lifeline.”
Leaders Across New York Push Back
Schumer and Gillibrand are calling on Congressional Republicans—especially those from New York—to reject these harmful cuts. Local officials are also speaking out forcefully.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan warned that the changes could devastate older Americans living on fixed incomes. Assemblymember Gabriella Romero called the cuts “callous and heartless.” State Senator Patricia Fahy said the cuts threaten “millions of aging and disabled Americans.”
Even some Republicans acknowledge the danger. Senator John Curtis of Utah admitted the program needs reform but said it shouldn’t be dismantled through chaos.
Time to Protect What People Have Earned
“This is a moment that calls for leadership,” Schumer said. “We need to protect what generations of Americans have worked for. DOGE and Trump must keep their hands off Social Security.”ity.”
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