This week, many beneficiaries of federal programs in the United States experienced confusion due to incorrect messages on the Social Security Administration (SSA) portal. According to various media reports, the notifications, which falsely indicated a payment interruption, primarily impacted those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The issue arose from technical failures in the agency’s digital systems due to internal restructuring and unvalidated updates. Although the deposits were made without delays, the situation raised concerns among the 7.4 million people who rely on these funds for basic necessities.
Social Security sent wrong messages: what to do to avoid panic
SSI provides monthly assistance to older adults, those with disabilities, and low-income individuals. According to testimonies gathered by the American media, many users spent hours attempting to contact the SSA through overcrowded lines or repeatedly checking their accounts. The uncertainty was exacerbated by recent changes at the agency, such as staff reductions and the transition to digital services.
The SSA’s technology division has experienced multiple outages since the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, cut its workforce by 50%. These changes, promoted by the Trump administration, also include the gradual closure of physical offices and the transition of key procedures to online platforms.
Beginning April 14, identity verification will be conducted entirely online, a measure that civil organizations consider problematic for people without access to technology or limited mobility. In addition, on March 27, the SSA reinstated a contentious policy to recover excess payments, withdrawing up to 100% of a monthly benefit in new cases.
Social Security payment schedule for April 2025
- April 1, 2025
- Payment of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for all beneficiaries of this program.
- It is paid on the first day of the month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case it is paid in advance.
- This year, April 1st falls on a Tuesday, so the payment remains on that date.
- April 3, 2025
- Payment for beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security before May 1997.
- It also applies to those who receive SSI and Social Security at the same time, or if the state pays your Medicare premiums.
- This group usually gets paid on the 3rd of each month.
- April 9, 2025
- Payment for beneficiaries born between 1 and 10 of any month.
- Applies only to those who began receiving benefits after may 1997.
- Corresponds to second wednesday of the month.
- April 16, 2025
- Payment for beneficiaries born between 11 and 20 of any month.
- Also for those who receive benefits since after May 1997.
- Corresponds to third wednesday of the month.
- April 23, 2025
- Payment for beneficiaries born between 21 and 31 of any month.
- Applies to those who began receiving benefits after may 1997.
- It is the fourth wednesday of the month.
Is DOGE cutting fundings to the SSA?
DOGE, which was established to reduce $1 trillion in federal spending by September 2025, has expanded its reach to the SSA. Plans include reducing staff from 57,000 to 50,000 and transitioning to digital channels for in-person services. Organizations such as AARP warn that these policies may exclude rural populations or those with technological limitations.
Furthermore, the update of death records, which misidentified living citizens as dead, has hampered legitimate benefits.Although the DOGE justifies the measure as fraud prevention, documented cases show that corrections can take months, depriving those affected of essential income.
The SSA is facing unprecedented demands, including an aging population, increased disability claims, and managing 70 million cases, despite the DOGE’s push for cuts and automation. The tension between cutting costs and maintaining services has resulted in recurring technology outages, some of which last up to 24 hours.
