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Trump Administration Weighs Ending Age Factor in Disability Claims, Reports Say

Analysts warn older applicants could be steered into early retirement with reduced payments if such changes proceed.

Overview

  • Multiple reports say officials are considering removing age from disability determinations or using it only at 60, which would tighten eligibility for workers over 50.
  • The Social Security Administration says it is drafting proposals to update adjudication rules and replace outdated occupational data, and any change would go through public rulemaking.
  • The White House denies plans to alter disability determination processes, saying the only Social Security policy move has been a working-families tax change.
  • Urban Institute estimates indicate a 10% cut in eligibility could mean about 750,000 fewer beneficiaries over a decade and roughly 80,000 fewer widows and children, with one analysis estimating $82 billion less in payouts.
  • People familiar with the talks identify OMB Director Russell Vought as a key driver, while Democratic leaders including Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. John Larson criticize the reported plan as a major cut to disability insurance.