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There has been so much confusion about potential — and real — changes to Social Security that I am writing this column — and will consistently update it at TerrySavage.com — with the latest real-time, FACTUAL information, and answers to your questions.

I continue to believe that members of Congress from both parties will realize the seriousness of the situation with Social Security and exercise some control.

In the meantime, it's important not to panic. Be sure to get your news from reputable sources, and avoid the fear-mongering and hyperbole out there. The reality is bad enough without scare tactics.

An expanded version of this column is already online at TerrySavage.com, where you can read updates and use my AskTerry blog to post your question.

In the meantime, here are my answers to frequently asked questions about Social Security.

Q. Must I re-register to continue collecting my Social Security?

A. No! If you are currently collecting Social Security benefits you do NOT have to re-register or contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) in any way — UNLESS, you want to make changes in your account or banking information.

Q. I have heard I have to go in person to a Social Security office to sign up for Social Security, or make changes. Is that true?

A. Acting Commissioner (and shortly we should have a new real Commissioner) Leland Dudek has decreed that in order to avoid fraud, registrations for Social Security will not be taken over the phone. That can only be done online at www.SSA.gov/applyforbenefits.

Q. I heard that they are closing so many Social Security offices, so how will I be able to get an appointment?

A. Acting Commissioner Dudek issued a press release on March 27 denying media reports that the Social Security Administration has permanently closed some field offices. Yet earlier this month, the SSA announced it would reduce staffing to 50,000 from its current level of 57,000 employees and reduce its 10 regional oversight offices to four.

Q. When will I get my Fairness Act payments for WEP and GPO?

A. Millions of recipients who had their Social Security retirement benefits (or spousal benefits) reduced because of the WEP and GPO have already received both a large deposit to “catch up” for the reductions in 2024 and January/February of 2025 and an increased monthly benefit payment.

But if you never registered for Social Security because of the WEP reduction, you must do so now online (see instructions above).

NOTE: If you have not received your catch-up payment yet, or your higher monthly benefit, please wait until at least May, as this is a huge project.

Q. I hear you need to create a new sign-in to get to your account at Social Security online.

A. Everyone should create their own “mySocialSecurity” account online at SSA.gov/myaccount.

Many people have already created their own account, which allows them to track their earnings records and their benefits. However, if you created your “mySocialSecurity” account more than three years ago — or if you are just creating an account now — there is a new security procedure. You’ll need to set up a secure account at Login.gov to create a password that can be used to access many government websites, including SSA.gov.

Q. I just received a clawback notification from Social Security telling me ALL my benefits would be suspended. I thought they could only take 10% of your check. How will I live?

A. The former Social Security commissioner, Martin O’Malley, recognized the unfairness of trying to fix the agency’s mistakes by completely suspending benefits. Instead, he decreed that only 10% would be withheld. Acting Commissioner Dudek announced the policy change to demand immediate 100% suspension of benefits in the case of newly-issued clawback notices, starting March 27. (See my recent column at TerrySavage.com.)

This change will not affect people who have already agreed to a 10% withholding to repay clawbacks, nor beneficiaries of SSI programs for the impoverished or children.

However, Social Security is confiscating tax refunds and has also confiscated some WEP lump-sum Fairness Act deposits — even for people who are already on the 10% clawback plan.

I fully expect that when these 100% clawbacks go into effect in the coming weeks, starting with benefits payments that are not deposited in April, there will be such a hue and cry that this 100% clawback policy will be adjusted.

Q. How can I effectively protest and let my Congressional representatives know how angry I am?

A. AARP is leading the charge against these changes that threaten delivery of Social Security benefits to 72 million seniors. Learn more at AARP.org.

We all know that changes must be made to ensure the future solvency of the program, beyond 2035. Those changes likely must involve raising the wage cap on Social Security “contributions,” delaying retirement for much younger workers, and other creative blends of changes.

But if Social Security is allowed to fail, the economic, political and social implications for any administration, and our entire society, would be such a calamity that it would overwhelm any appeal of “government efficiency.” The Baby Boom generation — of both political party persuasions — has a keen instinct for history, democracy and its own self-interest! That’s the Savage Truth.

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(Terry Savage is a registered investment adviser and the author of four best-selling books, including “The Savage Truth on Money.” Terry responds to questions on her blog at TerrySavage.com.)

©2025 Terry Savage. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.