Looks like Social Security could be in for a bumpy ride, and if you rely on those checks, you might want to brace yourself. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—yes, that’s a real thing—led by Elon Musk under Trump’s administration, has been on a cost-cutting spree, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) is one of its biggest targets.

The latest move? Slashing about 7,000 jobs from the SSA, cutting the workforce from 57,000 to 50,000. The official reasoning is to streamline operations and eliminate “redundant” management, but in reality, it probably means longer wait times, delayed payments, and a whole lot of frustration for people who depend on Social Security.

Former SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley is already sounding the alarm, warning that the system could start seeing serious disruptions within 30 to 90 days. That’s bad news for the millions of Americans who rely on these checks to cover rent, groceries, and medical bills. While the amount of benefits isn’t changing, the speed at which they arrive could be an issue. If you thought dealing with the SSA was slow before, imagine trying to get answers when they’re down thousands of employees. O’Malley warned, “People should start saving now.”

And it’s not just the layoffs—there’s also a plan to consolidate and shut down several regional offices. Government officials claim this will save money, but critics argue it’s going to make it much harder for people to get help, especially in rural areas. In places like San Diego County, no locations are closing yet, but there are already concerns about how fewer workers will impact customer service.

All of this is happening because Trump and Musk are pushing for aggressive spending cuts, and Social Security is in their crosshairs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has even floated the idea of removing government spending from GDP reports, which some say could make the economy look stronger than it really is. Meanwhile, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are voicing concerns. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has slammed the administration for gutting SSA’s workforce, warning that it will make it harder for seniors to access their benefits. Representative Lloyd Doggett has criticized the layoffs, calling them unnecessary and warning they could lead to delays and financial instability for thousands of people.

Read my statement on President Trump’s recent cuts to the Social Security Administration workforce: pic.twitter.com/0v1yxJstbR

— Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (@gillibrandny) February 28, 2025

So, what can you do? If you depend on Social Security, be prepared for possible delays. O’Malley is advising people to set aside extra money if possible, just in case payments get backed up. And if you need help from the SSA, going online instead of calling or visiting an office might be your best bet since there will be fewer employees available to assist.

The Social Security Administration has never missed a monthly payment in over 80 years, but with these cuts, that record could be in jeopardy. If things go off the rails, millions of Americans could be left waiting longer than they can afford. Buckle up—it’s going to be an interesting few months.