Jen Burdick
@jen-burdick.bsky.social
Legal aid lawyer @CLS Philadelphia focusing on SSA. Mother of two kids and two cats. Views are my own.
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Lots more information on transition-age SSI youth, their outcomes, research on improving the transition to adulthood, and ideas for reform in the paper!
Please give it a read: www.cbpp.org/research/soc...
Please give it a read: www.cbpp.org/research/soc...
Low-Income Disabled Youth Face Significant Challenges Upon Coming of Age
More than 4 in 10 SSI youth lose their benefits when they turn 18 because they have not demonstrated that they meet SSI’s stringent adult definition of disability, even if they continue to have health...
www.cbpp.org
December 2, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Lots more information on transition-age SSI youth, their outcomes, research on improving the transition to adulthood, and ideas for reform in the paper!
Please give it a read: www.cbpp.org/research/soc...
Please give it a read: www.cbpp.org/research/soc...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
The Trump Administration is abandoning plans for the biggest-ever cut to Social Security Disability Insurance, which would have hit older workers hardest.
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
Social Security scraps plan to limit disability benefits after uproar
The policy would have fundamentally altered who qualifies for the two federal disability programs by eliminating or limiting a person’s age as a factor to consider.
wapo.st
November 19, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The Trump Administration is abandoning plans for the biggest-ever cut to Social Security Disability Insurance, which would have hit older workers hardest.
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
Reposted by Jen Burdick
The Trump Admin's shameful attacks on kids with disabilities are happening on every front: legislation (OBBB), regs, and RIFs. The Social Security Administration's new proposed rule to limit SSI eligibility is yet another example. 1/ firstfocus.org/update/recen...
Recent Actions by the Trump Administration Target Children with Disabilities
Proposed rules, reductions in force, threaten roughly 100,000 children who rely on Supplemental Security Income, plus others in need of support and
firstfocus.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The Trump Admin's shameful attacks on kids with disabilities are happening on every front: legislation (OBBB), regs, and RIFs. The Social Security Administration's new proposed rule to limit SSI eligibility is yet another example. 1/ firstfocus.org/update/recen...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Despite repeatedly promising not to cut Social Security, the Trump Admin is reportedly preparing a proposed rule that could reduce the share of applicants who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance by up to 20%--which would be the largest cut ever. 🧵
www.cbpp.org/blog/trump-a...
www.cbpp.org/blog/trump-a...
Trump Administration Plans Deep Cuts to Social Security Disability Insurance, Particularly for Older Workers
Despite repeatedly promising not to cut Social Security, the Trump Administration is reportedly preparing a proposed rule that could reduce the share of applicants who qualify for Social Security...
www.cbpp.org
October 16, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Despite repeatedly promising not to cut Social Security, the Trump Admin is reportedly preparing a proposed rule that could reduce the share of applicants who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance by up to 20%--which would be the largest cut ever. 🧵
www.cbpp.org/blog/trump-a...
www.cbpp.org/blog/trump-a...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Today's the last day for 150K+ feds who took the "Fork" (deferred resignation program), including 800+ at the Social Security Administration.
The experience at SSA demonstrates 3 things about the DRP:
1. It's the tip of the iceberg
2. It wasn't really voluntary
3. It hurts service to the public
The experience at SSA demonstrates 3 things about the DRP:
1. It's the tip of the iceberg
2. It wasn't really voluntary
3. It hurts service to the public
September 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Today's the last day for 150K+ feds who took the "Fork" (deferred resignation program), including 800+ at the Social Security Administration.
The experience at SSA demonstrates 3 things about the DRP:
1. It's the tip of the iceberg
2. It wasn't really voluntary
3. It hurts service to the public
The experience at SSA demonstrates 3 things about the DRP:
1. It's the tip of the iceberg
2. It wasn't really voluntary
3. It hurts service to the public
Reposted by Jen Burdick
🧵 Big changes may be coming to disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing a rule that could reshape how eligibility is determined for SSDI and SSI. Here’s what you need to know—and why it matters. www.urban.org/research/pub...
September 18, 2025 at 6:11 PM
🧵 Big changes may be coming to disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing a rule that could reshape how eligibility is determined for SSDI and SSI. Here’s what you need to know—and why it matters. www.urban.org/research/pub...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
DOGE staff at Social Security have put the sensitive data of hundreds of millions is at "high risk," which could have “catastrophic impact,” according to internal SSA docs.
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
DOGE Put Critical Social Security Data at Risk, Whistle-Blower Says
www.nytimes.com
August 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
DOGE staff at Social Security have put the sensitive data of hundreds of millions is at "high risk," which could have “catastrophic impact,” according to internal SSA docs.
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
This was not only foreseeable, but widely predicted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Social Security issued a press release yesterday claiming it's improved customer service. I'm skeptical, for 4 reasons:
1. SSA's career comms staff are mostly gone
2. SSA comms are now very partisan
3. Performance metrics are mostly gone
4. SSA is now cherrypicking misleading stats
Receipts in 🧵
1. SSA's career comms staff are mostly gone
2. SSA comms are now very partisan
3. Performance metrics are mostly gone
4. SSA is now cherrypicking misleading stats
Receipts in 🧵
July 24, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Social Security issued a press release yesterday claiming it's improved customer service. I'm skeptical, for 4 reasons:
1. SSA's career comms staff are mostly gone
2. SSA comms are now very partisan
3. Performance metrics are mostly gone
4. SSA is now cherrypicking misleading stats
Receipts in 🧵
1. SSA's career comms staff are mostly gone
2. SSA comms are now very partisan
3. Performance metrics are mostly gone
4. SSA is now cherrypicking misleading stats
Receipts in 🧵
Reposted by Jen Burdick
After sending a misleading & partisan press release to millions, Social Security issued a new release on service "improvements" under the new Commissioner, whom it lavishes w/praise.
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Social Security stops reporting call wait times and other metrics
The changes are the latest sign of the agency’s struggle with website crashes, overloaded servers and long lines at field offices amid Trump cutbacks.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:48 PM
After sending a misleading & partisan press release to millions, Social Security issued a new release on service "improvements" under the new Commissioner, whom it lavishes w/praise.
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
But SSA deleted most metrics last month, allowing them to cherry pick data.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Today’s ruling on birthright citizenship has the potential to cause chaos at the Social Security Administration, which assigns Social Security numbers to over 99% of all babies born in the US in an automatic data exchange with states.
June 27, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Today’s ruling on birthright citizenship has the potential to cause chaos at the Social Security Administration, which assigns Social Security numbers to over 99% of all babies born in the US in an automatic data exchange with states.
Reposted by Jen Burdick
SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano promised he'd run a "fact-based, rule-based org that can count."
But something's not adding up.
1,244 fewer Social Security staff serve in field offices as of 5/1, per SSA.
But Bisignano testified that "the reality is we have more people in field offices"
But something's not adding up.
1,244 fewer Social Security staff serve in field offices as of 5/1, per SSA.
But Bisignano testified that "the reality is we have more people in field offices"
June 25, 2025 at 9:54 PM
SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano promised he'd run a "fact-based, rule-based org that can count."
But something's not adding up.
1,244 fewer Social Security staff serve in field offices as of 5/1, per SSA.
But Bisignano testified that "the reality is we have more people in field offices"
But something's not adding up.
1,244 fewer Social Security staff serve in field offices as of 5/1, per SSA.
But Bisignano testified that "the reality is we have more people in field offices"
Reposted by Jen Burdick
"RFK Jr. said he would not take away anyone’s vaccines. He lied: That’s exactly what he’s doing," said Paul Offit, who heads CHOP's Vaccine Education Center and serves on an FDA vaccine advisory board.
www.inquirer.com/health/cdc-c...
www.inquirer.com/health/cdc-c...
The CDC will no longer recommend COVID vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted a statement saying the vaccine was no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. A CHOP official said COVID is still dangerous for both groups.
www.inquirer.com
May 27, 2025 at 7:23 PM
"RFK Jr. said he would not take away anyone’s vaccines. He lied: That’s exactly what he’s doing," said Paul Offit, who heads CHOP's Vaccine Education Center and serves on an FDA vaccine advisory board.
www.inquirer.com/health/cdc-c...
www.inquirer.com/health/cdc-c...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
This is good news! Social Security will continue to allow applications by phone. Your voices mattered!
Also: SSA has not addressed whether direct deposit changes can continue to be made by phone, nor has it made an official statement to a very confused & concerned public (just cryptic tweets).
Also: SSA has not addressed whether direct deposit changes can continue to be made by phone, nor has it made an official statement to a very confused & concerned public (just cryptic tweets).
NEWS: Social Security is backing off the drastic changes to phone service that would've sent tens of thousands of senior schlepping many miles to in-person offices, after a big outcry. www.axios.com/2025/04/09/s...
Social Security backs off cuts to phone services amid outcry
"Telephone remains a viable option to the public," the agency said in a statement.
www.axios.com
April 9, 2025 at 5:12 PM
This is good news! Social Security will continue to allow applications by phone. Your voices mattered!
Also: SSA has not addressed whether direct deposit changes can continue to be made by phone, nor has it made an official statement to a very confused & concerned public (just cryptic tweets).
Also: SSA has not addressed whether direct deposit changes can continue to be made by phone, nor has it made an official statement to a very confused & concerned public (just cryptic tweets).
Reposted by Jen Burdick
So, the DOGE kids intend to rewrite the social-security administration's COBOL code-base!
and they want to do it ...
... in *a few months*
I did a huge dive into COBOL a few years ago (www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/magazi...) ...
... so let me explain why DOGE is *way* over its skis here
1/9
and they want to do it ...
... in *a few months*
I did a huge dive into COBOL a few years ago (www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/magazi...) ...
... so let me explain why DOGE is *way* over its skis here
1/9
browse by category
www.wealthsimple.com
March 30, 2025 at 6:41 PM
So, the DOGE kids intend to rewrite the social-security administration's COBOL code-base!
and they want to do it ...
... in *a few months*
I did a huge dive into COBOL a few years ago (www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/magazi...) ...
... so let me explain why DOGE is *way* over its skis here
1/9
and they want to do it ...
... in *a few months*
I did a huge dive into COBOL a few years ago (www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/magazi...) ...
... so let me explain why DOGE is *way* over its skis here
1/9
Reposted by Jen Burdick
BREAKING: Federal judge blocks Elon Musk, Amy Gleason, and DOGE employees from access to Social Security Administration systems containing personally identifiable information, orders them also to delete any previously obtained non-anonymized SSA information.
March 20, 2025 at 7:55 PM
BREAKING: Federal judge blocks Elon Musk, Amy Gleason, and DOGE employees from access to Social Security Administration systems containing personally identifiable information, orders them also to delete any previously obtained non-anonymized SSA information.
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Natl Academy of Social Insurance zoom briefing on effects of DOGE staffing cuts on Social Security this Thurs (3/13) from noon-1pm featuring former SSA commissioners Martin O’Malley & Michael Astrue + expert panel incl @kathleenromig.bsky.social & @jen-burdick.bsky.social. tinyurl.com/4penutdr
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Recent Changes at the Social Security Administration: What's at Stake for Customer Service. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about j...
Join the Academy for an exclusive briefing featuring former Commissioner Martin O’Malley and former Commissioner Michael Astrue as well as a panel of expert Academy Members: Kathleen Romig of the Cent...
us02web.zoom.us
March 11, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Natl Academy of Social Insurance zoom briefing on effects of DOGE staffing cuts on Social Security this Thurs (3/13) from noon-1pm featuring former SSA commissioners Martin O’Malley & Michael Astrue + expert panel incl @kathleenromig.bsky.social & @jen-burdick.bsky.social. tinyurl.com/4penutdr
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Last Friday SSA announced that for new Social Security overpayments the repayment amount would increase from 10% of benefits to 100%. This effort reflects both a glaring lack of understanding of the program and a deep indifference to the harm to beneficiaries. 1/5
March 11, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Last Friday SSA announced that for new Social Security overpayments the repayment amount would increase from 10% of benefits to 100%. This effort reflects both a glaring lack of understanding of the program and a deep indifference to the harm to beneficiaries. 1/5
@kathleenromig.bsky.social bringing us truly the mystery of the day
If the Administration truly seeks to cut costs, prevent improper payments, and modernize government technology, why would they do something that is the exact opposite on all three counts?
And why only in a single state?
They're not saying. But I'd be really interested to know the answer...
And why only in a single state?
They're not saying. But I'd be really interested to know the answer...
March 7, 2025 at 11:13 PM
@kathleenromig.bsky.social bringing us truly the mystery of the day
This update is disappointing, inefficient, and honestly mean-spirited: www.ssa.gov/news/press/r...
Press Release | Press Office | SSA
2025 Press Releases
www.ssa.gov
March 7, 2025 at 10:18 PM
This update is disappointing, inefficient, and honestly mean-spirited: www.ssa.gov/news/press/r...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Elon Musk wants to gut Social Security.
He does not care about you or your family — or really anyone else.
He wants to make himself richer while working people suffer.
He does not care about you or your family — or really anyone else.
He wants to make himself richer while working people suffer.
March 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Elon Musk wants to gut Social Security.
He does not care about you or your family — or really anyone else.
He wants to make himself richer while working people suffer.
He does not care about you or your family — or really anyone else.
He wants to make himself richer while working people suffer.
Reposted by Jen Burdick
In over thirty years of working on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its programs at the White House Office of Management and Budget and now the Urban Institute, I have never been more concerned about the agency than I am today. 1/9
February 28, 2025 at 10:20 PM
In over thirty years of working on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its programs at the White House Office of Management and Budget and now the Urban Institute, I have never been more concerned about the agency than I am today. 1/9
Reposted by Jen Burdick
News: Social Security Administration planning “significant workforce reductions”
www.huffpost.com/entry/social...
www.huffpost.com/entry/social...
Social Security Administration Announces 'Significant Workforce Reductions' Ahead
Democrats accused the Trump administration of "putting Social Security benefits at risk by firing the staff who help beneficiaries."
www.huffpost.com
February 28, 2025 at 12:45 AM
News: Social Security Administration planning “significant workforce reductions”
www.huffpost.com/entry/social...
www.huffpost.com/entry/social...
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Hey Co-President Trump: firing the workers who serve Social Security beneficiaries would count as “touching” Social Security, breaking your promise. (1/2)
February 27, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Hey Co-President Trump: firing the workers who serve Social Security beneficiaries would count as “touching” Social Security, breaking your promise. (1/2)
Reposted by Jen Burdick
DOGE has announced a total of 45 Social Security field office closures--so far.
SSA has 1,200 field offices where people can receive in-person help getting benefits, updating records, enrolling in Medicare & more.
They served 30M applicants & beneficiaries in 2023 — nearly 120K *per day*.
SSA has 1,200 field offices where people can receive in-person help getting benefits, updating records, enrolling in Medicare & more.
They served 30M applicants & beneficiaries in 2023 — nearly 120K *per day*.
February 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
DOGE has announced a total of 45 Social Security field office closures--so far.
SSA has 1,200 field offices where people can receive in-person help getting benefits, updating records, enrolling in Medicare & more.
They served 30M applicants & beneficiaries in 2023 — nearly 120K *per day*.
SSA has 1,200 field offices where people can receive in-person help getting benefits, updating records, enrolling in Medicare & more.
They served 30M applicants & beneficiaries in 2023 — nearly 120K *per day*.
Reposted by Jen Burdick
Undocumented immigrants paid about $26 billion per year into Social Security, even though they will get nothing out of it.
They subsidize citizens to an extraordinary degree. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/b...
They subsidize citizens to an extraordinary degree. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/b...
February 27, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Undocumented immigrants paid about $26 billion per year into Social Security, even though they will get nothing out of it.
They subsidize citizens to an extraordinary degree. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/b...
They subsidize citizens to an extraordinary degree. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/b...