Troy resident Kathie Sherrill, 74, has been retired for roughly ten years and has never been concerned about when her Social Security benefits would arrive.
However, when her $2,800 Social Security payment was due in March, she felt obligated to check her account for the first time.
Fortunately, the money was there, but the fact that she felt the need to check at all shows that retirees are becoming more anxious.
Sherrill is not by himself. Concern over Social Security’s future is growing among seniors.
According to Sherrill, “I’ve never really worried about it as much as I have this year.” She knew her bills would be paid when the payment arrived, but she is still concerned about what could happen next.
“I believe that anyone on Social Security, whether they are currently receiving benefits or not,” she stated. “I’m sure everyone is worried about it at the moment.”
Seniors Feeling Uncertain About Social Security’s Future
Since the beginning of February, AARP has received almost twice as many calls from individuals who are worried about Social Security.
According to an AARP representative, the group has been getting more than 2,000 calls per week regarding these issues.
“Social Security has never missed a payment, and AARP and our tens of millions of members are not going to stand by and let that happen now,” said John Hishta, senior vice president of campaigns for the organization.
However, the degree of uncertainty that has infiltrated the system is demonstrated by the fact that reassurance is even required.
Few retirees thought they would ever have to worry about the timely payment of Social Security.
Bad Advice Circulating on Social Media
Social media isn’t making things any better. According to one widely shared post, federal employees had recommended that Americans transfer all of their money to different accounts and remove it from the accounts from which they receive federal payments, such as Social Security or tax refunds.
According to the post, banks might be forced to return the money if the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) incorrectly declared someone dead.
Although that is untrue, it illustrates how anxious some people have grown. Moving money around like this could increase the risk of debt collectors, according to financial experts.
Political and Administrative Issues Add to Anxiety
Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek’s threat to temporarily close the Social Security Administration has increased worries about the program.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency was barred from accessing Social Security data by a federal judge, who mandated that DOGE first undergo appropriate training.
Dudek swiftly withdrew the threat, claiming the court had given him clarifying instructions. He declared, “I am not closing the agency.”
“President Trump is in favor of ensuring that Social Security offices remain open and that the appropriate check is sent to the appropriate individual at the appropriate time.”
Nevertheless, the matter has turned into a political hot spot. During confirmation hearings, President Trump’s nominee to head the Social Security Administration, Frank Bisignano, a CEO of a financial technology company, was subjected to challenging questions about the administration’s approach to the problem.
The Social Security Administration, meanwhile, declared it would postpone a contentious proposal to mandate in-person visits for specific services.
Originally scheduled to go into effect on April 14, that change will now be delayed by two weeks. Some retirees will still be able to manage their claims over the phone even if they are unable to use an online “my Social Security” account.
Fear of Cuts to Benefits
According to Sherrill, roughly half of her monthly income comes from Social Security. She is concerned that benefits might be cut, especially since some plans call for raising the full retirement age from 67 to 69 beginning in 2026.
Sherrill stated, “I’m worried about my financial future.” “I can’t risk losing any of that cash.”
Sherrill served as an AFSCME Council 25 staff representative prior to his retirement in 2015. She used to represent union members and negotiate contracts.
Prior to having a stroke in 2001 and subsequently developing Alzheimer’s disease, her late husband, Al, was employed with Fitzgerald Public Schools as a facilities manager. Sherrill now gets some of his pension, which he passed away almost three years ago.
Although Sherrill has been financially secure in retirement, she has had to reduce spending on things like eating out due to growing costs.
In order to have more money on hand in case her benefits are cut, she is also attempting to take out fewer withdrawals from her retirement funds.
Sherrill remarked, “I didn’t intend to do that, but I’m doing it now.”
Life Changes Adding to Pressure
To make things more difficult, Sherrill’s car was totaled in an accident, and she now has to pay $600 a month for it.
Although she joked that she might have to sell it if her Social Security payments stop, she intends to purchase an all-electric Cadillac Lyriq, her first electric car.
More general economic instability is another concern for Sherrill. Because of the stock market decline earlier in 2025, her retirement investments have decreased by roughly $30,000.
After a four-week losing run, the S&P 500 is still 7.75% below its peak in February.
Sherrill never thought she would be this concerned about Social Security. However, she now believes that anything is possible.
She expressed her hope that Congress would wake up, take a look in the mirror, and decide they didn’t like what they saw.
