The Social Security plan of Trump has some changes which can lead to the loss of benefits of up to 800,000 Americans in the coming decade, particularly older, disabled, and low-income earners, due to changes in disability and SSI eligibility rules.
What’s in the Proposal?
- SSDI Cuts: The plan would limit eligibility to the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program by excluding age as a qualification criterion, making it significantly more difficult to qualify as an older beneficiary (50–64 years old).
- SSI Changes: Trump aims to overturn a Biden-era regulation that expanded the definition of “public assistance household.” This could modify or eliminate SSI benefits for approximately 400,000 individuals by factoring in more domestic financial resources such as SNAP benefits or shared living arrangements.
- Operational Adjustments: Administrative changes and reduction in personnel at the SSA would result in increased waiting times, reduced approvals, and stricter screening of disability and income exemptions.
Who Is Affected?
- Older Disabled Workers: Around 30% of SSDI claimants aged 50–64 might lose their benefits since age would no longer be a determining factor in disability assessments.
- Low-Income Households & Children: Stricter income/resource limits on SSI beneficiaries—especially families, individuals with disabilities, and seniors—could lead to reduced monthly benefits if living arrangements change.
- Total Impact: Policy analysts predict that up to 800,000 Americans may lose Social Security payments over the next decade if these changes are fully implemented.
What’s NOT Affected?
Retirement Social Security (OASI): The proposed plan does not explicitly cut current retirement benefits. However, if disabled workers are forced into early retirement due to SSDI ineligibility, their monthly benefits could decrease by up to 30%.
When Trump is elected to the presidency, he has pledged to cut Social Security by one-third, which could significantly impact the population.
Table: Trump Social Security Cuts – Projected Impact
| Program | Proposed Change | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|---|
| SSDI | Do not include age as a disability factor | 400,000–500,000 disabled workers (ages 50–64) could lose eligibility |
| SSI | Restore pre-2024 public assistance rule | ~400,000 low-income, disabled, and elderly individuals could lose or see reduced benefits |
| SSA Operations | Reduction of staffing and stricter review processes | Over 100,000 additional cases could face delays or denials due to administrative backlogs |
FAQs
Q: Are they cutting benefits received upon retirement?
No, retirement Social Security benefits are not being directly reduced, but some disabled workers may be forced into early retirement and receive less than they otherwise would.
Q: Who is most affected?
Adults with disabilities between 50 and 64 years old, and low-income SSI recipients who live with others or depend on public assistance.
Q: Is this a final rule?
No, these are proposals still under consideration. Similar disability cuts have been overturned in the past by Congress or through public opposition.
Summary
In short, the Trump Social Security plan could represent one of the largest potential disability and SSI cuts in decades. Up to 800,000 older, disabled, and low-income Americans may lose benefits if the proposed regulations are fully implemented.
