The article discusses the Social Security Administration's (SSA) reliance on outdated COBOL code for critical functions, including issuing social security numbers and managing payments. A senior technologist highlights the risk of cascading failures with any changes. Consultants caution against rushing the migration, pointing out potential impacts on beneficiaries. While a migration plan is unclear, it appears that ongoing projects, including ones aimed at assessing improper payments and fraud, must be completed first. The involvement of DOGE operatives in SSA projects highlights a blend of modern tech efforts amidst an aging system.
"If you weren't worried about a whole bunch of people not getting benefits or getting the wrong benefits... then sure go ahead," says Dan Hon.
"It's unclear when exactly the code migration would start... instead naming other priorities like terminating 'non-essential contracts'..."
Sources within SSA expect the project to begin in earnest once DOGE identifies and marks remaining beneficiaries as deceased..."
An affidavit from SSA acting administrator Leland Dudek said that at least two DOGE operatives are currently working... targeting what these operatives believe to be improper payments and fraud."
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