Repairing Social Security After Trump and DOGE Act
Summary
H.R. 6237, the "Repairing Social Security After Trump and DOGE Act," addresses hardships individuals faced in accessing Social Security benefits between January 20, 2025, and January 19, 2029. It mandates the Social Security Commissioner to identify and provide benefits to those who were unable to apply due to operational changes, staffing issues, technical problems, or misinformation during that period. The bill also requires a GAO report on the actions taken by the Social Security Administration and the United States DOGE Service during that timeframe and their effects.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase access to Social Security benefits for individuals who experienced undue hardship during the specified period. It will also lead to a review of past administrative actions and potentially improve future Social Security operations. The GAO report will provide transparency and recommendations for improvements.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures individuals who faced undue hardship in accessing Social Security benefits receive the benefits they are entitled to.
- Addresses issues stemming from changes in Social Security Administration operations, staffing, and technical infrastructure.
- Provides a mechanism for individuals to notify the Commissioner of their inability to apply for benefits due to undue hardship.
- Waives the disability insurance waiting period for eligible individuals.
- Protects amounts paid under this act from affecting eligibility for other federal, state, or local programs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on the Social Security Administration to identify and process claims related to undue hardship.
- Potential for fraudulent claims, requiring careful verification processes.
- The cost of providing additional benefits may strain the Social Security system.
- The act is limited to a specific period (2025-2029), potentially excluding individuals who faced similar hardships outside that timeframe.
- The definition of "undue hardship" may be subject to interpretation, leading to inconsistencies in application.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble) by ensuring access to Social Security benefits for eligible individuals. Congress has the power to legislate in this area under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).