Martin O’Malley, the former commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), said Monday the recent cuts made by tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the agency could result in the “collapse” of the Social Security system “within the next 30 to 90 days.”
Malley, a Democrat who also served as Maryland governor from 2007-15, told CNBC the recent DOGE initiatives may jeopardize monthly benefit payments for over 72.5 million Americans.
He warned the current administration’s attempts to reduce the workforce will lead to the departure of vital staff and threaten the agency’s fundamental operations.
“Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits,” he said. “I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days.”
Warning of these interruptions, Malley said, “people should start saving now.”
Malley held the position of Social Security commissioner from December 2023 to November 2024 under the Biden administration.
More than 73 million individuals, including 56 million elderly people, depend on the agency for their monthly benefit payments. Delayed or missed payments could create difficulties for recipients.
Since its formation, DOGE has aimed to reduce expenditures within federal government agencies. These budget cuts have resulted in significant leadership changes, including the recent resignation of acting SSA Commissioner Michelle King, who reportedly stepped down due to a conflict regarding DOGE’s access to confidential information.
Last week, the SSA notified employees of “significant workforce reductions” on the way as it prepares for what it has called an “agency-wide organizational restructuring” amid reports that thousands of workers could be let go.
The agency said offices that perform functions that aren’t “mandated by statute may be prioritized for reduction-in-force actions that could include abolishment of organizations and positions, directed reassignments, and reductions in staffing.”
Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek recently announced the agency will implement a substantial reorganization involving considerable workforce cuts, providing longer-serving employees the chance to opt for buyouts and early retirement programs.
The Hill reached out to the SSA for comment.
