Social Security will enter ‘death spiral’ after DOGE cuts, warns SSA union — a million more Americans get checks each year with staffing at a 50-year low. Protect yourself now

Speaking to The Guardian, he expressed concern that cutting staff and shutting offices increases the workload for the remaining staff, which ultimately lowers morale and could lead to resignations.

This creates a “negative feedback loop,” he said, "until the agency ends up in a death spiral with staffing, inducing office closures."

Signs of chaos are already emerging. The Washington Post reported in March that the agency is “engulfed in crisis” with long waits, website crashes and office managers answering phones in place of receptionists.

"I'm hearing from Social Security recipients in MA who've been marked as 'not currently receiving payments,' on the Social Security website," Sen. Elizabeth Warren said on X, formerly Twitter.

During his "Fighting Oligarchy Tour," Sen. Bernie Sanders has also warned that the rapid layoffs and office closures are, “making it harder for people with disabilities and older people to get the benefits that they have paid into for their whole lives.”

Instead of responding to these concerns, Couture believes the Trump administration is likely to double-down on its firing spree in the months ahead.

"I don't think they're going to stop at 7,000 people lost," he said to The Guardian. "If they lose 10,000 or 12,000, they're running up their high score. They're able to brag about it."

If you’re worried about the future of this retirement safety net, here’s how you can prepare.

Protect yourself

Some lawmakers worry that the Trump administration’s actions and remarks about alleged fraud at Social Security are signs that it is on the path to privatization. There’s also concern about Social Security running out of money and being unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035.

Given the uncertainty about Social Security’s future, relying on this program to secure your retirement may no longer be prudent. Take the time to assess your financial situation and try to create a long-term, self-financed retirement plan.