The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Tuesday that it is investigating the cause of website outages affecting the “my Social Security” portal, which beneficiaries use to access their accounts.
Some recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), including disabled seniors and low-income individuals, reported seeing a message stating they were “not receiving benefits.” The SSA confirmed this was an error.
An internal 2023 report estimates that about 7.4 million people receive SSI benefits, though it is unclear how many saw the incorrect notice.
In a statement, the agency acknowledged “a couple of recent incidents” affecting Social Security services, which are now under investigation.
The disruptions, which lasted about 20 minutes each, made it difficult for some users to log into their accounts, though the SSA website remained accessible.
The website has experienced multiple crashes in recent weeks as the agency, led by acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, undergoes a major operational overhaul.
These changes aim to reduce fraud, an issue that former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claim is widespread.
The overhaul includes large-scale staff reductions, office closures, and limits on phone access for recipients. Critics, including lawmakers and advocacy groups, argue that these measures create unnecessary obstacles for vulnerable individuals.
Recently, the SSA reversed part of a plan requiring all new and existing beneficiaries to verify their identity in person at a Social Security office.
In March, the agency announced that individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or SSI who cannot use the online portal will be able to complete their claims over the phone.
However, other applicants must still verify their identities in person, starting April 14.
Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit is challenging DOGE’s access to Social Security data.
On March 20, Maryland federal judge Ellen Lipton Hollander issued an order blocking DOGE from accessing SSA records, stating that the department was conducting a “fishing expedition” based on suspicion rather than evidence.
Social Security currently provides benefits to approximately 72.5 million people, including retirees and children.
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