The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has significantly affected federal benefit programs through workforce reductions, office closures, and agency restructuring. Combined with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in 2025, these changes have introduced new work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP, reduced staffing at the Social Security Administration, and consolidated operations at the Department of Health and Human Services. If you receive or are applying for federal benefits, understanding these changes is critical to maintaining your coverage.
Use our free benefits screener to check your current eligibility across all major programs in minutes.
Which Federal Benefit Programs Has DOGE Affected?
DOGE has targeted several agencies that administer benefit programs. The most significant impacts have been at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
| Agency | Key Changes | Programs Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Administration (SSA) | Approximately 7,000 staff cuts, regional office closures (6 of 10), field office closures | Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Medicare enrollment |
| Health and Human Services (HHS) | 10,000+ job cuts, divisions reduced from 28 to 15, regional offices cut from 10 to 5 | Medicaid, Medicare, ACA Marketplace |
| USDA Food and Nutrition Service | Policy changes via One Big Beautiful Bill | SNAP (food stamps), WIC |
| Department of Education | Significant staff reductions | Student aid, Pell Grants |
How Do DOGE Cuts Affect Social Security Benefits?
The Social Security Administration has experienced some of the most visible DOGE impacts. Here is what beneficiaries and applicants should know:
Staff reductions: The SSA has cut approximately 7,000 positions through buyouts, resignations, and layoffs. This has resulted in longer wait times for processing claims, disability reviews, and benefit inquiries.
Office closures: DOGE recommended closing 47 field offices and 6 of 10 regional offices. Some closures have forced beneficiaries to travel significantly farther for in-person services, with some areas requiring trips of over 100 miles to the nearest office.
Phone service changes: The SSA ended telephone identity verification, requiring more people to visit field offices in person to verify their identity. This puts additional strain on remaining offices.
Processing delays: With fewer staff handling the same volume of claims, applicants for Social Security retirement benefits, SSI, and SSDI should expect longer processing times than in previous years.
What Should Social Security Beneficiaries Do Right Now?
- Create or verify your my Social Security account online
- Check that your personal information and payment details are up to date
- Save confirmation numbers for any online transactions
- If you need an in-person appointment, call early and expect longer wait times
- Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation
What Are the New Medicaid Work Requirements?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 introduced federal Medicaid work requirements for the first time. While DOGE did not directly create these requirements, the broader federal restructuring agenda made them possible.
Who is affected: Adults ages 19 to 64 enrolled in Medicaid through ACA expansion in states that have expanded Medicaid.
What is required: Eligible individuals must work or participate in qualifying activities for at least 80 hours per month. Qualifying activities include:
- Employment (including self-employment)
- Job training or vocational education
- Community service or volunteer work
- Caregiving for a dependent
Who is exempt: The law includes exemptions for:
- Pregnant individuals
- People with disabilities
- Primary caregivers of children under 6 or dependents with disabilities
- Individuals in substance abuse treatment
- People experiencing homelessness (for a limited period)
Timeline: States must implement work requirements by December 31, 2026, though some states may begin earlier. CMS issued initial implementation guidance in December 2025, with additional guidance expected throughout 2026.
Important note: Individuals who lose Medicaid coverage due to not meeting work requirements are also barred from receiving ACA Marketplace premium tax credits, which could leave them without affordable health insurance options.
How Have SNAP Work Requirements Changed?
The One Big Beautiful Bill expanded existing SNAP work requirements significantly:
| Requirement | Before (Pre-2025) | After (One Big Beautiful Bill) |
|---|---|---|
| Age range for work requirements | 18 to 54 | 18 to 64 |
| Hours per month | 80 hours | 80 hours |
| Time limit without work | 3 months in 36-month period | 3 months in 36-month period |
| State exemption waivers | Available in high-unemployment areas | Significantly restricted |
Key change: The age range for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements increased from 54 to 64. This means adults ages 55 to 64 who were previously exempt must now document at least 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or job training to maintain SNAP benefits.
Most states began implementing the expanded SNAP work requirements by February 1, 2026, with additional enforcement throughout the year.
How Has HHS Restructuring Affected Health Benefits?
The Department of Health and Human Services underwent major restructuring in 2025:
- Staffing: Over 10,000 positions were eliminated
- Organization: Divisions were consolidated from 28 to 15
- Regional presence: Regional offices were cut from 10 to 5
These changes affect how quickly Medicaid applications are processed, how ACA Marketplace issues are resolved, and how Medicare appeals are handled. While benefits themselves have not been directly cut, the reduced administrative capacity may lead to slower processing times and fewer resources for beneficiary support.
Are Medicare and Social Security Benefits Being Cut?
Despite concerns, the Trump administration has stated repeatedly that Social Security and Medicare benefits themselves are not being cut. DOGE's stated focus has been on reducing fraud, waste, and administrative overhead rather than reducing benefit levels.
However, the practical impact of staff and office reductions can feel like a benefit cut when:
- Processing times for new claims increase significantly
- In-person assistance becomes harder to access
- Phone wait times grow longer
- Errors in records take longer to resolve
How to Protect Your Benefits During Federal Restructuring
Follow these steps to make sure your benefits are not disrupted:
Step 1: Verify Your Current Benefits
Check the status of all your current benefits. Use our benefits screener to confirm you are receiving everything you qualify for.
Step 2: Create Online Accounts
Set up accounts on all relevant portals:
- my Social Security for Social Security, SSI, SSDI
- HealthCare.gov for ACA Marketplace plans
- Your state Medicaid portal for Medicaid benefits
- Your state SNAP portal for food assistance
Step 3: Document Everything
Keep records of:
- All benefit determination letters
- Income documentation
- Work activity records (especially important with new work requirements)
- Any correspondence with agencies
Step 4: Meet New Work Requirements
If you receive SNAP or Medicaid and are subject to work requirements:
- Track your work, volunteer, or training hours monthly
- Keep pay stubs, timesheets, or supervisor sign-off forms
- Report changes promptly to avoid benefit interruptions
- Check if you qualify for an exemption
Step 5: Stay Informed
Benefit rules are changing rapidly. Check back regularly with your state benefit office and trusted resources for updates.
What Benefits Can You Still Apply For?
Despite the restructuring, all major federal benefit programs are still active and accepting applications. Eligibility rules for most programs have not changed (except for the new work requirements noted above).
| Program | Still Available? | Key Eligibility Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | Yes | Age 62+ or qualifying disability |
| Medicare | Yes | Age 65+ or qualifying disability |
| Medicaid | Yes (new work requirements in expansion states) | Income below state limits (typically up to 138% FPL in expansion states) |
| SNAP | Yes (expanded work requirements) | Income generally below 130% FPL |
| SSI | Yes | Limited income and resources, age 65+ or disability |
| LIHEAP | Yes | Income varies by state, typically up to 150% FPL |
| WIC | Yes | Pregnant/postpartum women, children under 5, income up to 185% FPL |
| EITC | Yes | Must file taxes, income limits vary by family size |
Check your eligibility for all of these programs at once using our free screener tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will DOGE eliminate my Social Security benefits?
No. Social Security benefits are funded through dedicated payroll taxes and are protected by law. DOGE has targeted administrative staffing and operations, not benefit payments themselves. However, you may experience longer wait times for processing and customer service.
Can I still apply for Medicaid in 2026?
Yes. Medicaid is still accepting applications in all states. However, if you live in a Medicaid expansion state and are an adult ages 19 to 64 without an exemption, you may need to meet the new 80-hour monthly work or activity requirement. Check with your state Medicaid office for current implementation timelines.
What happens if I do not meet SNAP work requirements?
If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents (ages 18 to 64) and do not meet the 80-hour monthly work, training, or volunteer requirement, your SNAP benefits may be limited to 3 months in a 36-month period. Contact your local SNAP office to learn about exemptions or qualifying activities in your area.
Are benefit amounts changing due to DOGE?
Benefit amounts for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP have not been directly reduced by DOGE activities. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and standard benefit calculations continue as before. The main impact is on service delivery and processing times rather than payment amounts.
How do I find my nearest Social Security office if mine closed?
Visit the SSA office locator online or call 1-800-772-1213. If your local office has closed, you may be redirected to a nearby location. Many services can also be completed online through your my Social Security account.
Where can I check my eligibility for multiple programs at once?
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for over 11 federal and state assistance programs in just a few minutes. It covers Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, WIC, and more based on your specific situation.
