Domestic Policy
Is the Government Cutting Corners with Our Social Security Benefits?
Is the Government Cutting Corners with Our Social Security Benefits?
Here’s The Scoop
Are Americans being shortchanged on their Social Security benefits? Recent data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) suggests a troubling trend. In the past year alone, over 100,000 individuals have been cut off from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a critical lifeline for adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have little to no income.
Between May 2023 and May 2024, the number of SSI beneficiaries plummeted from 7,380,737 to 7,261,342. The most substantial decreases were among disabled or blind recipients, with a drop of 140,034, while the number of recipients aged 65 and over rose slightly.
These figures highlight a growing concern about the adequacy and management of our social safety nets. California saw a staggering drop of 16,573 SSI claims, primarily among the disabled and blind, while Texas saw a reduction of 14,587 claims. It’s alarming that some of our most vulnerable citizens are being left without the support they desperately need.
The SSA recently announced changes to its decision-making process for SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The removal of outdated job categories—such as reptile farmer and railroad telegrapher—from their assessment list took effect in June, but it’s unclear whether these changes justify the dramatic reduction in beneficiaries.
This decrease raises significant questions about the transparency and fairness of the SSA’s actions. Are we witnessing a bureaucratic tightening that disproportionately affects those who can least afford it? And why are the numbers declining so sharply in states with high populations of vulnerable individuals?
As we navigate these troubling developments, it’s crucial to scrutinize government actions and demand accountability. At a time when Americans are facing economic uncertainties, the last thing they need is to lose the very benefits that help them survive.
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C.B. PATEL
July 12, 2024 at 7:28 am
Government, and especially this Biden Administration doing anything and EVERYTHING possible to make-&-keep as many folks as possible “Government Dependent” which guarantees them POWER. The shame part is Major Media is complicit in all this. The Media should cover such actions by the Government to keep people informed which deters Government from doing this. History will show what today’s Major Media did but that is no comfort to the folks who lose decent Living.
Tkedo
July 12, 2024 at 10:28 am
Maybe these are the people who are committing fraud. I get calls daily from people stating I am entitled to SS disability. We need to cut back and find out those who are collecting and not deserving of this. Also, we need to get all ILLEGALS off from collecting this benefit. They are signing them up is what I have been hearing. Maybe they are ridding the American people from the system to pay them? Either way, those who put into the system for years are the only people entitled to this along with those who TRULY cannot work, the REAL DISABLED. So much corruption and false claims.
Mr John L Tanskly Sr
August 7, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Illegals collecting SS only for a vote for the politicians in power. The government in power (all political parties) always tapped SS it is a open pocketbook for them on the backs of the legal American taxpayer. The only way to change this rape of SS is to vote to put the politicians on SS and maybe things will change. One can only hope but politicians enjoy the free ride and couldn’t care less about legal citizens as long as it doesn’t affect the politicians $’s or power in any way.
Joan
August 16, 2024 at 3:12 pm
They need to quit taxing SS benefits. They start taxing at income level of 25,000. That is crazy. It should never be taxed. WHen it was instituted the idea was to not tax it. In the 80’s the started taxing 50% of it then up to 85%. then with the inflation brought about by the Biden administration it is impossible for a retired person to not be taxed. Anyone who votes for any politician that wants to continue to tax social security is an idiot.