Dear John,
I am writing to you with deep concern regarding recent developments that threaten the integrity of our Social Security system—a cornerstone of financial security for millions of Americans, including many in our district.
Misleading Claims About Social Security Beneficiaries
Recently, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have made alarming assertions about widespread fraud within the Social Security Administration (SSA). They claim that benefits are being paid to individuals aged 150 and older, suggesting massive inefficiencies and fraud within the system. However, these claims have been debunked by SSA officials, who clarified that such data anomalies do not equate to improper payments. In fact, improper payments constitute less than 1% of total disbursements.
Proposed Cuts and Office Closures
The administration's response to these unfounded claims includes plans to lay off over 10% of the SSA workforce and close 47 field offices. These measures risk undermining the SSA's ability to serve beneficiaries effectively, leading to longer wait times and reduced access to essential services.
Derogatory Remarks About Social Security
Elon Musk has publicly referred to Social Security as the "biggest Ponzi scheme of all time," a characterization that is both misleading and damaging. Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system that has provided reliable support to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors for decades.
Impact on Our District
In Illinois's 7th Congressional District, approximately 82,603 residents receive Social Security benefits, with about 60,000 of these beneficiaries aged 65 or older. These benefits are crucial for many, providing a lifeline that supports basic living expenses.
As of December 2023, the average monthly SSI payment for recipients aged 65 and older in Illinois was approximately $553, totaling about $6,636 annually. It's important to note that individual benefit amounts can vary based on specific financial circumstances, living arrangements, and other factors.
Our Commitment to Protect Social Security
As your representative and a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am committed to:
Demanding Accountability: We are calling for transparency regarding the proposed workforce reductions and office closures within the SSA.
Protecting Services: We are working to prevent actions that would impair the SSA's ability to serve beneficiaries effectively.
Fighting for Legislation: We are advocating for policies that strengthen Social Security and protect it from unwarranted cuts.
I urge you to stay informed and engaged on this critical issue. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Congressman Danny K. Davis
Member of Congress
7th Congressional District of Illinois
References
Associated Press. (2025, March 4). Social Security Administration to lay off over 10% of workforce, close 47 field offices. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/116efd0a68244d616e41b340fba5e5c1
Business Insider. (2025, March 4). 5 key points from Elon Musk’s interview on Joe Rogan: DOGE, AI, and Social Security. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/5-key-points-elon-musk-interview-joe-rogan-doge-ai-2025-3
MarketWatch. (2025, March 4). ‘We have a healthier country than I thought’—Trump repeats DOGE claims of 150-year-old Social Security beneficiaries. Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/story/we-have-a-healthier-country-than-i-thought-trump-repeats-doge-claims-of-150-year-old-social-security-beneficiaries-3f9114bc
Social Security Administration. (2023, December). Congressional statistics: Illinois. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/factsheets/cong_stats/2023/il.pdf
Wikipedia. (2025). United States federal government targets of Elon Musk. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_government_targets_of_Elon_Musk
