Elon Musk’s team has descended on an already understaffed Social Security Administration, which now faces further workforce cuts and closures of vital local offices. The consequences could be significant for millions of the most vulnerable Americans.

Amazingly, Leland was fired by Social Security Administration upper management for helping @DOGE find taxpayer savings. Can you believe that??” Musk posted Wednesday night on X, his social media platform.

DOGE has limited "read only" access to data and will not disrupt or delay the disbursement of payments to beneficiaries, SSA Acting Commissioner Dudek said.

President Donald Trump incorrectly interpreted data shared by Elon Musk when he falsely claimed on Feb. 18 that “millions and millions of people over 100 years old” receive improper benefits from Social Security.

The latest cost-of-living projection for 2026 shows that seniors could see less of an increase than last year, according to the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League

You generally need to be at least age 62 to qualify for either spousal or divorce benefits, but there are exceptions if you're caring for your spouse's child. If that child is either under age 16 or disabled and is entitled to Social Security on your spouse's record, you may be able to take spousal benefits at any age.

Retirees who count on Social Security should prepare for a relatively meager cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their benefits in 2026. Learn More: 3 Changes That Could Be Coming to Social