Trump just dropped a Social Security update—Here’s what to know
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In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics and policy, Social Security remains a cornerstone of discussion, especially for those of us who have spent a lifetime contributing to this safety net.
With recent developments from the White House, it's crucial to stay informed about changes that could impact our hard-earned benefits.
So, let's unpack President Trump's latest announcement and what it means for Social Security.
President Donald Trump has signed a new memorandum targeting Social Security benefits for individuals who are not legally residing in the US.
When Was It Signed?
The order, signed on April 15, expands the Social Security Fraud Prosecutor Program to at least 50 US attorney offices and sets up a new Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution initiative in 15 offices, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump signed the memorandum after a White House ceremony Tuesday afternoon, where he awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football team.
Why It’s Significant
The move comes just ahead of former President Joe Biden’s keynote speech in Chicago at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference. There, Biden is expected to spotlight Trump’s potential impact on Social Security.
Presidential Memorandum: Key Details
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the new memorandum directs the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General to investigate earnings reports tied to individuals aged 100 or older whose Social Security records don’t match—part of an initiative to combat identity theft.
Michelle L. Anderson, currently serving as Assistant Inspector General for Audit and acting Inspector General, leads a team made up of criminal investigators, auditors, IT professionals, attorneys, analysts, and other specialists.
The memorandum also instructs the SSA to examine the possibility of bringing back civil monetary penalties for those committing Social Security fraud—“an effort that has been paused for several years,” Leavitt noted.
“These taxpayer-funded benefits should be only for eligible taxpayers,” Leavitt said. “Biden should think about what he did in his last term, which is allow tens of millions of illegal people into our country, many of whom were fraudulently receiving these benefits.”
A White House briefing document added, “Policing Social Security Act fraud is critical because the Act contains not only traditional Social Security provided to older Americans, but also unemployment insurance, disability insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TANF, and other programs.”
Who Will This Affect?
The directive mainly targets individuals trying to obtain Social Security benefits using fraudulent identities or lacking lawful immigration status. Lawfully present immigrants and US citizens are not expected to be affected by the changes.
Who Can Receive Social Security?
Generally, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Social Security benefits unless they have valid work authorization and a legitimate Social Security number.
Also read: Don’t risk your benefits—what every Social Security recipient should know about this new fraud check
According to a press release citing the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), “American taxpayers spend at least $182 billion annually to cover the costs incurred by the presence of 20 million illegal aliens and their children.”
As stipulated by the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, an undocumented immigrant applying for benefits based on a Social Security Number issued on or after January 1, 2004, must have had work authorization either when the SSN was assigned or at some point later to qualify for benefits.
Source: PBS NewsHour / Youtube.
In contrast, those with SSNs issued before that date can count all covered earnings toward eligibility, regardless of work status.
Read next: New rules ahead: What Social Security just announced may affect your plans
Have you or someone you know been affected by Social Security fraud? What are your thoughts on the measures being taken to protect our benefits? Do you have concerns or questions about the future of Social Security? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
With recent developments from the White House, it's crucial to stay informed about changes that could impact our hard-earned benefits.
So, let's unpack President Trump's latest announcement and what it means for Social Security.
President Donald Trump has signed a new memorandum targeting Social Security benefits for individuals who are not legally residing in the US.
When Was It Signed?
The order, signed on April 15, expands the Social Security Fraud Prosecutor Program to at least 50 US attorney offices and sets up a new Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution initiative in 15 offices, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump signed the memorandum after a White House ceremony Tuesday afternoon, where he awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football team.
Why It’s Significant
The move comes just ahead of former President Joe Biden’s keynote speech in Chicago at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference. There, Biden is expected to spotlight Trump’s potential impact on Social Security.
President Trump signed a memorandum expanding the Social Security Fraud Prosecutor Program and establishing a Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution program. Image source: Fox Business / Youtube.
Presidential Memorandum: Key Details
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the new memorandum directs the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General to investigate earnings reports tied to individuals aged 100 or older whose Social Security records don’t match—part of an initiative to combat identity theft.
Michelle L. Anderson, currently serving as Assistant Inspector General for Audit and acting Inspector General, leads a team made up of criminal investigators, auditors, IT professionals, attorneys, analysts, and other specialists.
The memorandum also instructs the SSA to examine the possibility of bringing back civil monetary penalties for those committing Social Security fraud—“an effort that has been paused for several years,” Leavitt noted.
“These taxpayer-funded benefits should be only for eligible taxpayers,” Leavitt said. “Biden should think about what he did in his last term, which is allow tens of millions of illegal people into our country, many of whom were fraudulently receiving these benefits.”
A White House briefing document added, “Policing Social Security Act fraud is critical because the Act contains not only traditional Social Security provided to older Americans, but also unemployment insurance, disability insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TANF, and other programs.”
The move is significant as former President Joe Biden addresses the threat Trump poses to Social Security. Image source: PBS NewsHour / Youtube.
Who Will This Affect?
The directive mainly targets individuals trying to obtain Social Security benefits using fraudulent identities or lacking lawful immigration status. Lawfully present immigrants and US citizens are not expected to be affected by the changes.
Who Can Receive Social Security?
Generally, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Social Security benefits unless they have valid work authorization and a legitimate Social Security number.
Also read: Don’t risk your benefits—what every Social Security recipient should know about this new fraud check
According to a press release citing the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), “American taxpayers spend at least $182 billion annually to cover the costs incurred by the presence of 20 million illegal aliens and their children.”
As stipulated by the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, an undocumented immigrant applying for benefits based on a Social Security Number issued on or after January 1, 2004, must have had work authorization either when the SSN was assigned or at some point later to qualify for benefits.
Source: PBS NewsHour / Youtube.
In contrast, those with SSNs issued before that date can count all covered earnings toward eligibility, regardless of work status.
Read next: New rules ahead: What Social Security just announced may affect your plans
Have you or someone you know been affected by Social Security fraud? What are your thoughts on the measures being taken to protect our benefits? Do you have concerns or questions about the future of Social Security? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
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