Overview

• Reports say officials are considering eliminating age as a factor in disability determinations or applying it only starting at 60, which would tighten approvals for older applicants.
• SSA spokesman Barton Mackey said the agency will propose changes through the standard rulemaking process and seek feedback before deciding whether to finalize a rule.
• Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai said there will be no changes to disability determinations and stated that President Trump will protect Social Security.
• Urban Institute analysis estimates that a 10 percent eligibility reduction could mean roughly 750,000 fewer beneficiaries over the next decade and 80,000 fewer widows and children, with many older workers likely shifting to permanently reduced early retirement benefits.
• Democratic lawmakers and advocates condemned the reported plan, which sources say is a priority for OMB Director Russell Vought, setting up a political and potential legal fight as any proposal advances.