Anxiety among Social Security beneficiaries has surged due to cuts and changes under the Trump administration, leading to fears of payment disruptions.

Frank Bisignano, Trump's nominee for SSA commissioner, has ties to an organization advocating for Social Security reform, which has drawn criticism for its proposed changes.

In 2025, nearly 69 million Americans are expected to receive Social Security benefits, primarily older adults and individuals with disabilities.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is grappling with significant challenges, including staffing shortages and plans to reduce its workforce by at least 7,000 employees, resulting in the lowest staffing levels in decades.

The SSA's inspector general has reported record backlogs and improper payments, which have been exacerbated by the limited number of experienced staff available to process claims.

Beneficiaries are currently facing delays and increased anxiety about their payments, with many relying on Social Security for essential living expenses amid rising costs of living.

Angel Morgan, a 44-year-old disability benefits recipient from Nashville, Tennessee, expressed frustration with long wait times and difficulties accessing services, underscoring a perceived lack of concern from the administration for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals have highlighted the emotional toll of uncertainty regarding their payments, with one retiree noting they had never worried about their checks until the current administration took office.

The article concludes with anecdotes from retirees and disability beneficiaries who express distress over delayed payments and the overall impact of proposed cuts on their financial stability.

Elon Musk's organization, referred to as 'Doge', has been involved in controversial efforts to reform Social Security, labeling it a 'Ponzi scheme' and attempting to access sensitive data from the SSA.