Fast-moving changes to Social Security are ringing some alarm bells.

Staff cuts, office closures and changes to verification systems were all announced earlier this month.

It’s all in an effort to combat alleged fraud, something many experts say has been overblown, and cut government spending.

It’s impacting millions of people and billions of dollars in New York alone. 

Plans have been announced to shutter multiple offices, including in Big Flats, the only location in Chemung County.

Tacking that on to other cuts and changes, and people have questions.

However, the Social Security website has crashed multiple times and people have been stuck on the phone for hours.

“There's so many different things going on that you really don't understand what's going on,” said senior Roseann Thielman, who depends on Social Security benefits she gets for her late husband. 

What would happen if she loses that money?

“Well, then I would be out in the street,” she said.

But recently, she’s been keeping a close eye on changes the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are making.

“Everybody’s starting to go into panic mode,” she said. 

Among those changes are staffing cuts, office closures and identity verification only being done online or in-person, with no phone option allowed.

Meanwhile, questions she and other seniors have aren’t getting clear answers.

“People are trying to call Social Security and they're on the phone for hours and they're not getting anyone,” Thielman said. “Even your councilmen and your political people I don't think are helping.”

“I’m very concerned,” said Randy Hoak, the commissioner for Erie County Senior Services. 

They’re doing outreach, but he says a lot of these changes will have a negative impact.

“We're looking to take a chainsaw to bring efficiencies, and I know it's a tired cliché but efficiencies are certainly achievable and necessary,” Hoak said. “I would prefer a scalpel-like approach, because when you go into a government agency and try to bring to many changes, you're missing a few things.”

That’s something echoed by U.S. Sen. Chuck Shumer.

“They can't outwardly cut benefits because that would be so unpopular,” Schumer said. “They're trying to kill Social Security in another way, making it harder, sometimes next to impossible to access your benefits.” 

Both noted that Social Security staffing was already at a 50-year low and there were already concerns over how long the funds would last without significant changes.

These cuts and changes could only exacerbate the issue, especially for those in rural areas, or with physical or cognitive limitations.

“A lot of folks depend on their Social Security income to pay for things like prescriptions and health care, food, rent, basic needs,” Hoak said. “That's the worst-case scenario. People are not able to cover their basic needs.”

The Trump administration has pushed back saying they will not cut Social Security benefits, and just get rid of waste. 

The Office of the Inspector General estimates from 2015 to 2022, $72 billion of improper payments were made.

That’s less than 1% of total benefits paid.

Thielman isn’t getting worried just yet, but she would like to see a bit more hesitation when dealing with programs like these.

“I think everybody's up in the air. I don't think anybody knows,” she said. “Every day it seems to change.” 

Rep. Nick Langworthy, NY-23, released a statement on this issue, saying:

"The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to protect Social Security from fraud and abuse. For years, identity theft and fraudulent claims have been growing problems. By strengthening identity verification and expediting direct deposit changes, SSA is ensuring that benefits go to the right person, at the right time, without delays or risk of exploitation. SSA is improving security by requiring stronger identity checks. If you can’t use their online "my Social Security" account, you’ll need to visit a local office to verify your identity in person. They’re also speeding up the processing of direct deposit changes, which will now be done in one business day instead of 30. Starting in March 2025, if you can’t use online services, you can start your claim over the phone, but it won't be complete until your identity is verified in person. You can also schedule an in-person appointment for direct deposit changes. 

Social Security is a promise to the American people, and both President Trump and House Republicans are committed to protecting it not just for today’s seniors, but future generations as well. By cracking down on fraud, eliminating waste, and making SSA more efficient, the administration is safeguarding the program. Our district office handled nearly 400 Social Security-related cases last year, most of which stemmed from delays in getting a response from SSA. Under President Biden’s work from home policies, our constituents were experiencing unacceptable delays and red tape. Under President Trump, federal workers are required to be back in the office, working to assist taxpayers in a timely fashion under streamlined processes. Our office will be on hand to continue to assist anyone who needs help dealing with the SSA.”

Updated changes will now take affect April 14.

Schumer asks people who don’t want these changes to reach out to their congressional representatives. 

If you have questions on your own situation and can’t get through to Social Security offices, try reaching out to your county senior services. Erie County’s is available at (716) 858-8526.

For a list of FAQs the SSA posted on identity verification, click here.