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Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(132,782 posts)
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 05:12 PM Mar 2025

Two big changes coming to Social Security you need to know about

In recent days, the Trump administration has announced two high-profile and controversial policy changes it says are meant to combat waste and fraud in Social Security.

First, the agency said it would resume garnishing entire benefit checks from Americans who receive overpayments, undoing a reform that had capped clawbacks at a smaller amount. Social Security officials claim the change will help the government recover an additional $7 billion over 10 years.

Later, the agency announced that enrollees would no longer be allowed to change their direct deposit information over the phone but would instead be required to use an online process with two-factor authentication or visit a Social Security office in person. The measure is meant to prevent some types of fraud.

Both decisions have been met with criticism. Former officials and outside experts worry the new clawback policy will punish poorer beneficiaries who can’t afford to have their full checks taken away, while the additional security measures around bank account information will unnecessarily burden many seniors who lack computer skills.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/two-big-changes-coming-to-social-security-you-need-to-know-about-150020216.html

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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thesquanderer

(12,902 posts)
5. and will be compounded by the closing of offices, which means they may have to find a way to travel even further. (n/t)
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 06:35 PM
Mar 2025

1WorldHope

(1,861 posts)
2. What a bunch of sick assholes.
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 05:24 PM
Mar 2025

What they don't know and also don't care, is that most all over payments are mistakes made by SSA itself. One month you get a letter saying you have been under paid. 3 months later you get a letter saying you were over paid. When I worked with a disability rights org. we always had to warn people to not spend the "extra" money for that reason. We told them to wait for at least 3 months. You just would've believe how often that happens.

 

Silent Type

(12,412 posts)
3. Apparently, 100% was the policy prior March 2024. And, I'm not sure someone calling in should
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 05:30 PM
Mar 2025

be able to divert payment to another account.

Hopefully, they’ll continue to allow people to request a lower payment percentage as in past. And make sure there are alternatives to changing bank account info that make it as easy as possible.

Much bigger things to worry about under trump.

thesquanderer

(12,902 posts)
4. re: "Hopefully, they'll continue to allow people to request a lower payment percentage as in past."
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 06:34 PM
Mar 2025

According to the article, they will.

AverageOldGuy

(3,331 posts)
6. "Both decisions have been met with criticism. "
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 06:53 PM
Mar 2025

Let's see a show of hands: Who thinks Muskrat and Trump give a big goddam about criticism of their moves to kill social security?

Show of hands.

Anyone?

Anyone?

In the back?

Bueller?

Show of hands.

Pinback

(13,501 posts)
7. So, yeah, you don't own a computer or have a clue what 2FA is?
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 07:13 PM
Mar 2025

Easy-peasy, just come in to your local Social Security office. You say you’re disabled? Well, get a ride then. Just find somebody who’ll take you to the office 200 miles away, since we closed the one in town.

slightlv

(7,438 posts)
8. This is not really hyperbole!
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 07:41 PM
Mar 2025

They've closed two office close to me. Don't know about the one in St. Joe, nor of any closures in KCMO. We here in NEKS end up having to drive all over since they closed the one in KcK. I'm one of those who would have liked the option to change the account for my direct deposit. Right now, my CU is getting all benefits of the doubt because I can't easily change it. It sounds like we give up our rights and civil liberties as we get older and older.

meow2u3

(25,240 posts)
9. I had to have some of my overpayments clawed back about 10 years ago
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 07:43 PM
Mar 2025

They deducted $18/month for about 9 years until I paid the overpayment in full. I was able to work with Social Security.

What the regime wants to do is claw back everything all at once, not giving a damn if the retiree can't afford to pay rent or food.

Layzeebeaver

(2,153 posts)
10. how about building systems that don't require excessive computer skills?
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 07:55 PM
Mar 2025

websites and portals can be created that don't need excessive skills. oh, wait... musk doesn't know this...

progressoid

(52,570 posts)
11. ? $7 billion over 10 years?
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 08:01 PM
Mar 2025

I guaran-fucking-tee they just pulled those numbers our of Elon's ass.

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