GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.

These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.

This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.

Elon Musk Meets With Senate Republicans At The Capitol In Washington, DC - 05 Mar 2025

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.

you’re free to read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.

In recent interviews, Musk voiced beliefs that the program is tantamount to a Ponzi scheme rife with fraud.

facebook sharing button

Reducing Fraud

Fraud is possible whenever finances are involved.

Musk and the Trump administration seem to believe Social Security is riddled with it.

Notably, the fraud argued by Musk isnt as rampant as claimed.

twitter sharing button

Under 1% of payments made over a seven-year window were fraudulent, according to theSSA Inspector General.

Closing Local Offices

Visiting a local SSA office could become more difficult thanks to Musk.

TheSSA reportedit has approximately 1,230 offices nationwide.

linkedin sharing button

In the argument for efficiency, Musk could be shutting off access to Americans legitimately needing in-person support.

Many in-office visitors lack computer or internet literacy and benefit from personal support,according to ProPublica.

Changing Direct Deposit Options

Direct deposit is the dominant method for Americans to receive Social Security payments.

email sharing button

Over 99% of individuals receive their monthly support directly to their bank accounts,according to the SSA.

The SSA will no longer allow Americans to make direct deposit changes via phone.

This change will take place by the end of March,per the Washington Post.

Upon the change, people will need to make changes online or in person.

That is also true of SSA workers.

Combined with recommended office closures, this could make managing needs in person more challenging.

Millions of Americans depend on Social Security to take care of their financial needs.

Musk is promising actions that may hinder many from adequately managing their budgets.

Staying informed and following recommended actions is the best way to avoid potential disruptions in payments.

More From GOBankingRates

Share This Article:

The Latest inRetirement