Trump Administration Proposes SSI Cuts for Disabled Living with Families

A planned regulation by the Trump administration aims to penalize disabled young adults, such as Shy’tyra Burton, if they live with their parents. The proposed rule would deduct the value of a disabled adult’s bedroom from their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allotment, potentially slashing benefits by up to a third or eliminating support altogether. This change could affect as many as 400,000 SSI recipients with disabilities like Down syndrome and dementia, according to federal officials and internal communications.

The initiative, driven by White House and Department of Government Efficiency officials, marks a second attempt to reduce disability benefits overseen by the Social Security Administration. Previous efforts were abandoned after media scrutiny highlighted the negative impact on low-income workers in red states. The new rule specifically targets families who also rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), despite these households already demonstrating financial need.

Advocates, including Galen Carey from the National Association of Evangelicals, oppose the proposed cuts, arguing that reducing benefits for disabled individuals living with family is unjust. The potential changes could significantly impact older adults with health issues who have moved in with their children, further exacerbating the challenges faced by low-income families. The SSI program is designed to support the most vulnerable, and these proposed changes could undermine that mission.

What to watch: The administration's next steps in finalizing this regulation and its potential impact on disabled individuals and their families.