Trump administration reinstates full Social Security benefit clawbacks

The Trump administration has reversed a policy from March 2024 that limited Social Security benefit withholding to 10% for overpayments. Starting March 27, the agency will withhold 100% of monthly benefits to recover alleged overpayments, citing fiscal responsibility. This change marks a return to practices from previous administrations, which advocates say will harm vulnerable recipients. Critics argue that many overpayments result from government errors, and the new policy could lead to increased hardship for those affected. The Social Security Administration is also undergoing staffing cuts, reducing its workforce from about 57,000 to 50,000. This may lead to longer wait times for beneficiaries and more overpayment issues, according to former officials.