On August 14th, the Social Security Administration celebrated its 90th anniversary—and while the official letters and press releases were filled with warm words and big milestones, there were also some subtle but important clues about the future of Social Security. In particular, an open letter from Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano gives us a few hints about what’s coming and what it all means for the millions of Americans who rely on these benefits.
If you receive Social Security—or you expect to in the future—here’s what you need to know.
Social Security Is Not Going Away
One of the most reassuring parts of Commissioner Bisignano’s letter directly addressed the common fear that Social Security is running out of money. He wrote, “You’ve probably heard people say that Social Security will not be there for you in the future. That’s not true.”
According to the Commissioner, there is enough funding under current law to pay full benefits through 2034. After that, the agency would still have enough income to cover about 80% of scheduled benefits. But he also added a critical line: “Americans cannot afford a 20% reduction in their Social Security benefits. That’s why Congress will act to shore up the program before any shortfall occurs…”
That confidence—using the word “will” instead of “might”—was especially significant. While nothing is ever guaranteed, it’s a strong signal from someone with deep access to data and policy that reforms are expected before any cuts ever take place.
Quiet Hints at Big Changes
The letter also emphasized the importance of adaptability in the Social Security program. Several statements noted how the system has evolved over time to meet the nation’s needs, and they hinted that more changes are likely on the way.
Phrases like “adaptability,” “changeability,” and “continued vitality” appeared throughout the document, suggesting that Social Security isn’t just focused on preserving what exists—but also preparing to modernize and streamline its operations in the future.
$18 Billion in Savings from Old Audit Fixes
One of the clearest signs of upcoming change came from a section that mentioned a March 2025 audit revealing $18 billion in potential savings. That audit included 183 unimplemented recommendations. Many of these were focused on technical upgrades, better oversight of representative payees, and resolving overpayment issues.
Although many recommendations were redacted, the SSA has already implemented fixes addressing half of those audit findings. The rest are expected to follow, which means we can likely expect gradual updates to how the agency handles documentation, payments, and security protocols.
What “Digital First” Really Means
Perhaps the biggest shift ahead involves how people interact with the Social Security Administration. The term “digital first” showed up repeatedly across SSA materials, including Commissioner Bisignano’s letter, where he wrote, “We have begun to transform Social Security Administration into a digital first agency.”
So what does that actually mean?
For starters, the SSA is putting a much stronger focus on automation, online tools, and self-service options. They’re expanding appointment scheduling online, revamping the My Social Security portal, and even introducing more AI-powered phone systems to reduce hold times and speed up processing.
They’ve also set a bold goal: 200 million Americans registered for and using My Social Security accounts by the end of 2026. That’s a huge push—and while it could improve speed and access for many, it could also make things harder for people without reliable internet access or tech skills.
If you need help navigating online systems, consider reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging, public library, senior center, or local nonprofit for free tech support and training.
Improvements to My Social Security
Up until recently, the My Social Security portal was down for an average of 29 hours per week due to maintenance. Most of this happened during low-traffic overnight hours—but that’s still a lot of time the system was offline. As of July, the SSA says those problems have been fixed and the portal is now available 24/7.
This portal can be used to check your benefits, manage your information, file paperwork, and more—and additional features are expected in the near future.
Better Appointment Access and Faster Service (Maybe)
Another major improvement the SSA highlighted is better access to appointments. Only 6% of visitors had scheduled appointments last year—but that number has now jumped to 30%. The agency says this has dramatically reduced in-office wait times, with those who schedule ahead only waiting an average of six minutes.
They also mentioned that the national 800 number now has “single-digit” wait times, though many people still report being stuck on hold for hours. If you’ve called recently, you know those improvements might not be consistent everywhere just yet.
SSA also claims that disability hearings are moving faster than ever, averaging just 60 days—an all-time low. They’ve upgraded phone systems in field offices as well, and say that 90% of calls can now be resolved through self-service or callback options.
If you’ve struggled to get through to the SSA, we have a guide that can help you navigate the system and reach a real person.
Relief Recap
The SSA’s 90th anniversary message was more than just a look back—it offered a clear look forward. While benefits are not going away, how we access and manage them is going through a major transformation. From improved digital services to planned reforms and audit-driven tweaks, change is on the horizon.
If you rely on Social Security or expect to in the future, this is a great time to explore online tools, stay informed, and take advantage of available support services to ensure you’re ready for what’s ahead.