Social Security Tracker for May 31, 2025

General Commentary

Overpayment recoveries is one of the hot topics concerning the operations of the Social Security Administration. See the update in the Expert's Corner to learn about this issue. My own research suggests that as many as 1 million people each year receive overpayment notices for the first time. These overpayments are most typically due to data processing mistakes within the SSA and so they can hit anybody. It is rare that the fault lies with the person who received the overpayment. On average it appears that the average first time overpayment notice that goes out seeks to recover $3,500. If you don't have that kind of cash available in an emergency fund, note that you can appeal an overpayment notice and doing so puts the matter on hold until it has been reviewed. This can buy you time if you find yourself in this situation.

The appointment of Frank Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration seems like a disaster if you see him only as a DOGE disciple. In my humble opinion he appears to be a cut above in terms of energy and competency as compared with the typical Trump appointee. His responses in the hearings seemed measured and far from the bull in a china shop that some see in him. (I don't consider the fact that he had to google the SSA position after it was offered to him to be a red flag, but I understand if you disagree.)

Your My Social Security account is still the preferred way to get changes made to your account. If possible, try that first before calling in and/or setting up an appointment for a live visit. Here is a good recent YouTube video about creating a Login.gov account.

Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley stated that a extensive delays for social security payments could commence within 30 to 90 days. Responses to this statement by a range of experts have been mixed. This may be political posturing, but I don't think that the possibility can be ruled out entirely. I am going to keep this site going to track whatever ends up happening.

Expert's Corner

Geoffrey Schmidt, CPA is a popular YouTube commentator who regularly posts on tpics concern retirement. In a recent video on his HolySchmidt! YouTube Channel, Geoffrey covered recent changes to the Social Security program and focused primarily on the issue of overpayments. If you have received an overpayment notice that will cause you hardship then he advises you to act immediately and either request a lower repayment rate (which is currently set at 50% of your monthly payment) and/or file an appeal (assuming the overpayment wasn't your fault.) Look for more details in this video.

Ed Weir is perhaps the most experienced and prolific regular commentator covering issues pertaining to Social Security. As a former SSA insider, Ed's MyGovExpert YouTube Channel is perhaps the single best place to go for answers to questions about Social Security.

In a recent video Ed reviewed Trump's promise in his proposed "skinny budget" not to touch Social Security benefits. He views this as good (no immediate cuts or raising the retirement age) but also bad because it fails to address the long-term solvency crisis. He reiterates that without action, across-the-board cuts (around 21-22%) are projected around 2033-2034, a fact known for decades.

For more of Ed's reactions to Trump's proposed budget pertaining to Social Security watch the first section of this YouTube video.

Clickbait and Scams

"Social Security Stimulus Check"

In March there was discussion of sending out checks using some of the trillions to be saved by DOGE. So far the DOGE savings have been minimal and therefore the stimulus check idea turned out to be wishful thinking.

"Checks to be stopped without MySSA Account"

This is simply not true. If you don't have a MySSA account, then some changes to your Social Security account will be harder to accomplish. Still there is no requirement to have an online MySSA account.

"Will You Get a $6,000 Social Security Check?"

This clickbait headline only pertains to the 3% of participants who were impacted by the recent so-called Social Security Fairness Act. Only certain former government workers have this possibility.

Please Support this Website

This is a one man effort to help people understand what is going on with Social Security.

• I track social security payments to a small set of friends who are all Social Security recipients.
• I look over the SSA website availability stats daily.
• I lookout for clickbait and scams pertaining to Social Security.
• I hide any fake or non-pertinent news items.

My intention is to help people keep an eye on the Social Security system without wasting a lot of time doing so.

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