Leaked memo: DOGE plots to cut Social Security phone support [View all]

Source: Axios

12 hours ago


An internal memo from the Social Security Administration proposes changes to its phone service that could derail the benefits application process for many Americans.

Why it matters: The Trump administration has repeatedly said it doesn't plan changes to Social Security, other than to address fraud and waste — but these proposals risk "crippling" a system already plagued by delays, and facing staffing cuts, former agency officials tell Axios.

The latest: Axios obtained a draft of the memo, signed by acting deputy Social Security commissioner for operations Doris Diaz on March 13, and written on behalf of the agency's operations department.

Its existence was first reported by Popular.Info, which published screenshots of a subsequent version, sent to acting commissioner Leland Dudek a little later that day.

The agency, at the time, said the change would only preclude people from changing their bank account information by phone.

But the new memo — issued one day later — proposes changes that will further limit what people can do by phone. Under the proposal, phone service would still be available to people who call the agency and don't need to verify their identity, like someone making a general inquiry.

The draft of the memo viewed by Axios says the proposed limitations will be "significant" for those living in rural areas in particular.