I got an email from Social Security praising the Big Beautiful Bill

the email:

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is celebrating the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that delivers long-awaited tax relief to millions of older Americans.

The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's economy.

“This is a historic step forward for America’s seniors,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. “For nearly 90 years, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic security for older Americans. By significantly reducing the tax burden on benefits, this legislation reaffirms President Trump’s promise to protect Social Security and helps ensure that seniors can better enjoy the retirement they’ve earned."

The new law includes a provision that eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security benefits for most beneficiaries, providing relief to individuals and couples. Additionally, it provides an enhanced deduction for taxpayers aged 65 and older, ensuring that retirees can keep more of what they have earned.

Social Security remains committed to providing timely, accurate information to the public and will continue working closely with federal partners to ensure beneficiaries understand how this legislation may affect them

It’s on their web site.

I got it too. What a joke.

Is the head of SSA appointed by Trump?

R4 - Good question!

Trump can make people say the sky is green; it's so fucking insane.

The entire letter is a fucking LIE.

I got it too. I don't collect yet but check my account with ssa.gov a few times a year. I think my income is going to be too high when I do retire to get the tax credit.

I got it too. Like R7 I don’t collect but check my account occasionally.

I thought it was spam at first. I’m so disgusted.

I got it, recognized it as legit, bristled at the MAGA language and immediately deleted it.

It’s creepy. It’s like a gangster just stopped by to say hello.

R6 It’s written in Trumpish, a language in which every sentence is a lie.

[quote]I thought it was spam at first.

You were right at first.

DISGUSTING.

I got it -- and not only that, a couple of days before that I got an e-mail saying that SS has changed their reports of your SS and your past income, and that you should go online and check it.

So I went to the SS.gov site (also linked in the e-mail), and was instructed to log in with my LoginID, which I already set up through the VA. But SS wanted me to do the same thing all over again with them. I was supposed to take a photo (front and back) of my driver's license and also a photo of my face to prove to them I am who I say I am. Probably other things as well, but I was too angry to do it.

MFers!! Not only do they have all this information already from when I had to do it for the VA, but Musk and his cronies stole all this data months ago. Nothing is "secure" anymore, and I'm at a loss to understand why we continue to pretend that it is.

Did anyone else get that e-mail?

I only got the SS message praising the BBB. Anyone who currently gets SS knows your don't pay income tax on it, ridiculous.

[quote]Will my Social Security benefits be taxed? For most people, the answer is yes.

Probably a message from Big Balls............

It was waiting for me this morning. Typical MAGA bullshit.

The actually called it the Big Beautiful Bill

Of course the SSA is now led by a MAGAt.

Trump-sponsored ballyhoo designed to sucker us into believing that Social Security is now tax-exempt. Which it is not, and won't be.

(Reality: Some people get an increased deduction after 65, for 4 years until 2029).

Actually, the bill provides for a $6000 senior deduction which lasts only until just after the next Presidential election then goes “poof!”

I got it too

I also received it, and was disgusted the SSA was being used for MAGA propaganda. Now that my Medicaid coverage is in danger, I'm in no mood to hear Trumpers pat themselves on the back.

I got mine around midnight. It was a little unsettling to read right before bed.

Don’t these changes mean Social Security will collect less income, and become insolvent faster? I read the next President will inherit having to fix Social Security. In the interim Trump and his billionaire friends will bankrupt our government before he or she gets elected.

Insolvency date now projected to be 2032.

I also got this. I'm nowhere near old enough for Social Security, but they send me emails, from time to time, updating me on my account. I'm not even sure when I signed up, but it was probably through work.

I rolled my eyes the entire time while reading it, but from this email to those COVID stimulus checks with his name on them shows how good Trump is at promoting. Idiots are going to remember this shit, they won't do a deep dive into all the horrible things.

R27 That means that if nothing is done to increase funding, social security payments would drop by 24%. That would be catastrophic to those relying on social security as there only source of income, but it's not like it would be the end of social security. People would still get 76% of what they were receiving the month before.

[quote]Anyone who currently gets SS knows your don't pay income tax on it, ridiculous.

You certainly do pay income taxes on SS (thank you, Ronald Reagan). Up to 85% of SS income is taxable. Trump promised to end that and of course, he didn't. He just claimed he did because the bill includes a $4000 increase in the standard deduction over the current $2000 deduction for seniors. Hence, the $6000 claim. The standard deduction is currently $14,600, so your standard deduction will be $20,600.

Say if you were getting $1500/month in SS (your only income), your taxes last year were $349. You wouldn't have to pay that this year. I'm not an accountant so these are just my quick calculations, as I understand how it works.

As I still work, even though I don't make much, it still doesn't do much at all for me.

R15, you are correct. Some people under a certain income level do not pay taxes on social security benefits.

However many do people do pay taxes on social security, including me.

I owe taxes on 85% of my social security benefit because my total AGI (adjusted gross income) is over a certain limit. AGI consists of social security benefit, plus pension (if any), plus dividend income (if any), plus RMD (required minimum distribution from IRAs after age 73) is over a certain limit.

Who owes tax:

If you file as an individual: Benefits may be taxed if your combined income is above $25,000, with up to 50% taxable between $25,000 and $34,000, and up to 85% taxable over $34,000.

If you file a joint return: Benefits may be taxed if your combined income is above $32,000, with up to 50% taxable between $32,000 and $44,000, and up to 85% taxable over $44,000.

The Big Monstrosity was designed to explode after the next presidential election so that the Democrat that wins (and it will be a Democrat) they'll be faced with so much destruction, so much ruin, and so many challenges that they won't be able to work on much of their agenda and instead have to focus on cleaning up Trump's catastrophe.... pretty much the COVID playbook (except that Biden had such fantastic doctors and experienced scientific staff that it went well; and now you know why DOGE and RFK decimated the CDC, NIH and all public health infrastructure).

The only permanent portion is that tax cuts for the 0.01%; the tax cuts for everyone else expire, including this tax on Social Security. As someone above pointed out, this "tax cut" shaved a year off of Social Security's funding guarantee. Income taxes on SS should have never been implemented (another Reagan act to hurt seniors and the nation). The thing of it is that it's double taxation; you paid taxes on that income when you earned it, including the portion you paid in FICA, so to have to then pay taxes on the benefit payments amounts to being taxed twice. It's the sleight-of-hand that is the Republican playbook when it comes to the little people and taxes.

I haven't read the bill nor any of the analysis of what's in it and the long term impacts, but what I have seen from other sources is that there are endless tricks and gimmicks in this bill to cause chaos down the road, not to mention the overall chaos that this massive realignment of taxation from the rich to the poor will cause. What I can't wrap my head around is that it seems like the Republicans looked at everything that would be good for MAGAts and did the opposite. MAGAtry already complains that they, the "real Americans", get the short end of the stick, and the cuts to Medicaid alone will disproportionately impact them. Wait 'til they discover that SNAP, TANF, and most of the programs that serve rural America have been slashed and they no longer qualify (but I'm sure they'll dig up a black welfare queen, now updated from driving a Cadiallac to a EV, to villify).

Since they don't understand nor want to admit that the single largest group of welfare recipients in this country are poor whites, it's going to hit them extra hard. There's going to be tremendous resentment coming out of rural America when their hospitals close, doctors move back to the cities, and their access to care dries up. Cue the whining about having to drive hours and hours to see a doctor, and then having to pay to stay overnight or several nights when they can finally get an appointment... only to have the doctor cancel the appointments at the last minute due to staffing shortages (given that half the staff in pretty much every hospital and clinic in the country are immigrants).

We're in for a world of hurt, and it just keeps getting worse with each passing day. I want it to end, but at the same time, I'm terrified of how this ends.

Eighty five percent of my SS income has been taxed since I started collecting Social Security at retirement. I doubt the new, higher combined personal and senior exemptions will equal my itemized deductions (property taxes, mortgage interest, medical and dental expenses and charitable contributions) so it likely changes little or nothing (ie, paying a couple of thousand dollars) in Federal income tax.

What happened to the Republicans trying to push the idea of doing your taxes on a postcard? You know, because the tax code was overly complicated with loopholes and gimmicks.

Oh my sides! 🤣🤣🤣 I'm cracking myself up.

I got it and like others, thought it was some kind of fake at first. Disgusting.

The email is legit. I got it, too, and found it disturbing. But this is how the federal government operates under Trump: nonpartisan government agencies have been converted into mouthpieces for The Dear Leader.

I asked ChatGPT to analyze the email, and here's what it said:

You're right to find that email unusual—and possibly concerning. Here's a breakdown of the key issues and why your reaction is reasonable:

🔍 Is this real or spam?

If you've confirmed that a large number of people received it and it appeared to be genuinely from the SSA (i.e., verifiable sender, proper domain, official contact info), then it's likely real. However, its tone and content are highly atypical for a federal agency like the SSA.

🇺🇸 Why this feels out of character for the SSA

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a nonpartisan, administrative agency. Its role is to implement policy, manage benefits, and inform the public, not to praise legislation or political figures—especially in such overtly political terms.

Here are some red flags from the email:

Partisan Language: Calling it the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" (a phrase associated directly with Trump’s rhetorical style) is promotional, not informational.

Commendation of a political figure: “Reaffirms President Trump’s promise…” is more characteristic of a campaign email than a government bulletin.

Celebratory tone instead of neutral explanation: Federal agencies typically provide updates on how new laws affect people, not celebrate their passage.

⚖️ Legal or Ethical Violations?

Federal agencies are subject to laws and guidelines that prohibit partisan political activity, including:

The Hatch Act, which limits political activities by federal employees

OMB guidelines on agency communications, which emphasize neutrality, factual accuracy, and avoidance of political advocacy

If the SSA leadership directed the release of this email in coordination with political messaging from the White House or a campaign, that could cross an ethical—or legal—line.

🧩 What could be going on?

Possibilities include:

Political appointee influence – The SSA Commissioner is a political appointee. If the agency leadership has shifted toward political messaging, this kind of release could be a reflection of that.

Misuse of government communication channels – Using an agency’s platform to spread what amounts to political messaging would be a serious breach of norms.

Actual disinformation or spoofing – If this email didn’t originate from a verifiable SSA source, it could be a phishing or propaganda campaign posing as the SSA.

[quote]I only got the SS message praising the BBB. Anyone who currently gets SS knows your don't pay income tax on it, ridiculous.

You're sadly mistaken.

I'm 72 but I'm not eligible for SS (and I don't have Medicare Part B, either), but I still got the stupid email.

I did the new login that requires pictures of a drivers license and selfie relatively easily, but I am adept with an iPhone. I could see many people who are older or low literacy (or can’t afford an iPhone) struggling with these new requirements.

On the one hand it does seem Social Security should send out updates when legislation directly impacts it which it does. That said I would've appreciated it was more reporting the facts and not "celebrating" the passage of a bill and being a mouthpiece for Trump. Plus the really sad thing is Seniors might think they're getting ahead but if they rely on soon to rely on Medicaid they might be in for a rude awakening.

I got the same E-mail, and signed into my SS Account to verify that nothing had changed.

One should always assume anything from the government is a lie, is manipulation, or is PR for engineered information and data. This is doubly true for the current govt, but is also true when Democrats hold the majorities. The Dems are just sneakier and less obvious with the deceptions. It's up to each individual to navigate what's happening in the world without giving away their personal power. Also, the various items in the bill are almost 2 years from implementation. There's an underlying strategy in that. They want people to be afraid and upset, or to feel jubilant if they're MAGA. This widens/deepens the splits in the population, thus feeding the authoritarans more power, the personal and collective power the people are willingly throwing away. A lot can be shifted in 2 yrs. Maybe divesting your energy from dying institutions is a good way to proceed, hmm?

I’m at Newark Airport.

Kristy Noem’s face is on every monitor at the TSA checkpoint.

🤮

Pure Trump propaganda.

I am ignoring it.

The poster who was asked for his DL sounds like he DOESN'T have a Real ID and Trump may be going after "illegals" who paid into SS and are collecting.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented new identity verification procedures that may include using a selfie for online applications. This involves creating a My Social Security account on ssa.gov and using facial recognition technology to confirm identity. The process often includes scanning a photo ID (like a driver's license or passport), taking a live photo, and using facial recognition to match the images. This enhanced verification is part of efforts to improve security and prevent fraud. If you can't fulfill these requirements, you will need to make an appointment at an SSA office and come in person.

[quote] Kristy Noem’s face is on every monitor at the TSA checkpoint.

Now that's what I call domestic terrorism.

I believe it may be a scam (the "from" address is fishy). In any event, just delete it and for god's sake don't follow any links from the e-mail that ask you to log into your account.

When I saw today's bullshit email, I was still headscratching from the SEVEN texts I received Tuesday and Wednesday asking me to call this one legislator the GOP was unsure of.

ICE Barbie's Mar-a-Lago face was in multiple motion on monitors even at the checkpoints that were closed. So we had even longer wait times to gaze on her beauty!

(St. Thomas Airport, in April).

R44, I guess your reading skills are somewhat lacking, because 1) I'm not a man, and 2) I have a Logon.id (or whatever it's called) that I already registered with the VA probably six months ago.

And R47, I didn't -- because I'm not an idiot. I went to SS.gov, and then I checked the link in the e-mail, which was identical. But I'm still pissed off that the login with authentication and photos I did for the VA doesn't work for SS so I'll have to do all that crap all over again.

Frank Bisignano was the CEO of Fiserv before he took the position. I think he might be the best person under Trump to run the SSA (or I am hoping for). He did some amazing things at Fiserv:

Experience in Financial Services: Bisignano has held leadership roles at major financial institutions like Fiserv, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup, bringing over 30 years of executive leadership experience. Supporters believe this experience managing large organizations and complex financial systems will be a valuable asset in modernizing the SSA.

Focus on Modernization and Efficiency: Bisignano's track record suggests a focus on technology and operational excellence, which could help improve the SSA's service delivery and efficiency. He has specifically mentioned plans to use AI to improve services and reduce errors.

Commitment to Protecting Social Security: Bisignano has stated that he is committed to protecting Social Security and making the SSA a premier service organization.

^^ all those words when you could have just written "plans to implement a technocratic surveillance control grid."

Article from USA today about the email

[quote] I believe it may be a scam (the "from" address is fishy).

No, it's not a scam. The same message is on the SSA's official website.

"Lawson contends that the email praising Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" violates the Hatch Act, a law against partisan political activity by federal government employees."

Ha, ha, ha! Like Trump cares about that. He's above the constitution. Why would he care about something as insignificant as the Hatch Act.

R60 there’s a universal login that works across the IRS, SSA, etc. I use it, easily.

R50 ^

There is no tax cut. There is only a temp. additional deduction for better-off seniors….who don’t need it.

In countries with authoritarian governments, every action the leader/party takes is praised constantly by officials at every level. We are not quite at that point, but a lot of Trump's people are trying to get us there as fast as we can.

Scum

I got it too. Absolutely fucking disgusting lying piece of shit!

I got one too. In fact the bastaards made the news. CNN reported on it. Total departure from the mission of the SSA. Fuck these son of a bitches.

It only took Turd 6 mos. to write a blank check for his Rethug billionaire donors. Priorities.

I guess I've resigned myself to the immigration thing. So... why is it taking so long? Git 'er done. Let's see the ships and planes lined-up to take them back to their 'shithole' countries. Then we can see how it all.plays out.

This is called “State Propaganda”

Tell me how to do it, R56 --please...?

Login.gov

If you thought that Trump would stop the propaganda at his administration, I would not be surprised if every Social Security notice looked like a Trump rescue plan check.

So now R67 is reposting twit content, which itself is reposted BlueSky content. Way to go!

About the only thing I trust from the current administration is when the monthly SS deposits clear. Unfortunately, SSA has long had the legal authority to claw-back deposits when they are “deemed” to be over-deposits. I can just hear Trump asking his “advisors,” “Why can’t we just claw-back the SS payments made since January? Tell them we”ll give it back to them ‘later’ with big, beautiful interest?”

Today, I got a fake email from drop box/Docusign concerning "unusual activity with my Social Security number" saying it was the Social Security Admin.

Has DOGE emboldened email identity theft?

The SSA only notices people to go to their account online or by mail. Because I have heard that SSA wants us to load pictures for account changes, I am putting off accessing my online account.

Anybody else?

[quote] Today, I got a fake email from drop box/Docusign concerning "unusual activity with my Social Security number"

R71 Wouldn’t it be “funny” if the SSA detected tampering by DOGE, but because no one in the current regime knows what anyone else is doing, they didn’t realize they were “ratting” on themselves.

R71, you only need to go online to print a statement or apply for benefits. Maybe if you move and have a new address. But at some point you will have to go through the identification process to access your account. I decided to do it now to check for any changes and before the access requirements get more complicated.