There’s been a development in the United States’ Social Security system. The Trump administration’s plan aims to tighten eligibility for state benefits, especially those for disability. The goal is to limit access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). According to official data, more than 15 million people in the United States receive monthly payments through Social Security Disability Insurance.
Applies to those who worked and became disabled before retirement, or those who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This specific program is designed to help Americans who are unable to work due to serious or long-term health conditions that prevent them from finding a job. This applies to those who worked and became disabled before retirement, or those who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that provides approximately $800 a month to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
To eliminate the age factor or raise the threshold to 60, which would make life more difficult for hundreds of people
The new developments regarding this benefit lie in the government’s eligibility requirements. Currently, Social Security takes into account age, work experience, and education when deciding whether to grant this insurance. Typically, people over 50 with disabilities can access this benefit without any problems. The new development comes with the tightening of these regulations, as the government’s plan is to eliminate the age factor or raise the threshold to 60, which would make life more difficult for hundreds of people.
SSDI has been a vital resource, not only for those born with a disability, but also for workers whose careers were cut short by illness
Let’s keep in mind that people in this situation haven’t chosen to be in it; it’s not a condition they choose to be in. Therefore, benefits, in many cases, are the only way to live a decent life, that is, to be able to buy food and access basic health care. SSDI has been a vital resource, not only for those born with a disability, but also for workers whose careers were cut short by illness or disability.
Consequences: some 750,000 people would become ineligible for this assistance, not for the next year, but for part of the next decade
The data is alarming. According to an analysis by the Urban Institute, if disability benefits are reduced by 10%, some 750,000 people would become ineligible for this assistance, not for the next year, but for part of the next decade. Furthermore, some 80,000 widows and children would lose their payments if their spouse or dependent is excluded from this assistance.
The State to determine if the person suffers from a serious illness included in the official list
It’s important to keep in mind that the process for applying for these benefits can take years. Those eligible for this disability assistance must go through a series of steps to qualify. One of those first steps is for the State to determine whether the person suffers from a serious illness included in the official list maintained by the administration. If the illness isn’t on that list, age, work experience, and education become the next requirements to be met.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that some sectors of the government are seeking to ensure that, by increasing life expectancy and considering that many jobs don’t require physical effort, people with disabilities can find jobs that adapt to their needs and thus work longer. This is creating a tense atmosphere, as opposing sectors believe the goal is for citizens to work longer and, therefore, take longer to receive the benefits (retirement) for the years already worked. Ultimately, this is a complex issue that is still being debated, but it has certain very clear guidelines.
