H.R. 6237 — Repairing Social Security After Trump and DOGE Act

This section establishes deemed application dates for monthly insurance benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) or Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act for individuals who failed to apply due to undue hardship during January 20, 2025–January 19, 2029, with the effective application date as the later of the hardship date or the entitlement requirements date (other than application). "Undue hardship" includes SSA operational changes (e.g., from DOGE Service, Special Government Employee Elon Musk, or Trump Administration officials), staffing shortages causing long wait times, technical issues with websites or login systems, requirements for internet or transportation, false death declarations, misinformation about rules, or other application barriers as determined by the Commissioner of Social Security. Beginning 180 days after January 20, 2029, the Commissioner must identify affected individuals and establish a notification program. (1) For disability insurance benefits under SSA section 223, this section waives the five-month waiting period (thus allowing benefits from the first month of disability) for qualifying hardships where the disability period begins during January 20, 2025–January 20, 2029. (2) Any benefits paid due to this section are excluded from income or resources calculations for all federal, state, or local means-tested programs.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act or July 30, 2029 (whichever is later), a report detailing (1) actions and changes implemented by the Social Security Administration between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029; (2) the effects of such actions and changes on beneficiaries and customer service; and (3) recommendations to repair damage resulting from such actions and changes.