DOGE tightens up: big change with new requirement to retain Social Security benefits as of April

Starting in April, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will change how it handles overpayments made during distribution. Under the Biden administration, the SSA deducted 10 percent of the overpayment total from each monthly check until the error was corrected. However, beginning at the end of March, the agency will withhold 100 percent of the overpayment, meaning some beneficiaries could be left without a Social Security check, depending on how much they owe and receive each month.

The SSA claims this policy change will save the federal government $7 billion over the next decade, but officials have not explained how this figure compares to the previous 10 percent withholding system. Under that plan, the SSA was still able to recoup incorrect payments, but the process was less financially burdensome for recipients—many of whom may not have even realized they were overpaid.

Details on the overpayment policy change

For those already in the process of repaying the SSA, the repayment method will remain the same. However, any overpayments made after March 27 will be subject to the 100 percent withholding rule.

The SSA announced that it will begin mailing notices to affected individuals on March 27, informing them that their future benefits will be impacted.

Notably, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will not be affected, as the withholding level for SSI will remain at 10 percent.

Other changes at SSA

Also this month, the SSA announced that it would no longer allow beneficiaries of any of the programs it manages to change their direct deposit information over the phone. The agency noted that impersonating a beneficiary and having their bank account information altered maliciously was one of the major types of benefit fraud uncovered by analysts. Beneficiaries will either need to visit an SSA field office to update their account or do so by logging into their mySocialSecurity account online.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) published a list of more than fifty SSA field offices whose leases were scheduled for termination. Closing these offices, which in 2023, saw more than 100,000 visitors a day, severely limits the access of seniors to receive support when they have a problem with their benefits. However, late last week, the SSA put out a press release that seemed to imply that many of the offices would remain open. The statement explains that thanks to a Court ruling, provides “guidance about the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) related to DOGE employees and DOGE activities at the Social Security Administration (SSA).”

In response to this “guidance,” Acting Commissioner Dudek states that he will “not [be] shutting down the agency.” While good news, the only confirmation that field offices won’t be shut comes as a nod to President Donald Trump’s support for “keeping Social Security offices open.” The press release ends with a short sentence informing the public that “SSA employees and their work will continue under the TRO.”

In a follow-up post, the SSA confirmed that 64 leases will be terminated, but added that “for nearly all locations, the space being terminated is only a small room within the larger Social Security office location.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.