This month brings surprising news for beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, as over 100,000 people were removed from the program. According to SSA data, the number of people receiving SSI benefits decreased by 119,395 from May 2023 to May 2024.
The SSI program aims to provide financial assistance to over 7 million low-income seniors over 65, disabled individuals, and children under specific financial circumstances to cover essential expenses.
Reduction in Beneficiaries
More than 100,000 beneficiaries were removed from SSI benefits in 2024, with a significant drop in the number of disabled and blind recipients. The total number fell by 140,034, from 6,281,068 in May 2023 to 6,141,034 in May 2024. Interestingly, the 65+ category saw an increase of 20,639 beneficiaries.
The reasons behind the decline in blind or disabled SSI recipients are not immediately clear. For example, California saw its SSI benefits caseload drop by 16,573 between May 2023 and 2024, despite having the highest number of applications among all states.
State-Specific Data
Several states reported significant changes in their SSI beneficiary counts:
- California: Dropped by 16,573 recipients.
- Texas: Decreased by 14,587 recipients, from 591,710 to 577,123.
- New York: Saw a decline from 568,777 to 559,222.
- North Dakota: Decreased slightly from 7,923 to 7,906.
- Rhode Island: Fell by around 300, from 30,317 in 2023 to 30,015 in May 2024.
Overall, more than 17,000 people who were receiving SSI benefits became ineligible, with most being classified as blind or disabled.
Upcoming Changes
The federal government has announced significant changes in how SSDI and SSI benefits applications will be processed. Starting June 22, 2024, the new regulations will streamline the disability application process. Key changes include:
- Reduced Work History Requirement: The SSA will limit the consideration of prior relevant work history to the past five years, simplifying the application process.
- Elimination of Short-Term Employment: Prior employment that lasted less than 30 days will no longer be considered.
- Focus on Recent Employment: The new rule will focus on the most recent relevant work activity, ensuring more accurate and relevant data.
These changes aim to improve customer service, reduce case wait times, and enhance the quality of data provided to SSA workers. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized that the new regulation will make the application process more efficient and less burdensome for applicants.
Impact on Beneficiaries
These changes are expected to result in better customer service, faster case processing times, and more reliable determinations. The streamlined application process will help reduce the time and effort required from applicants and improve the overall quality of disability claimants’ work histories.
For those currently receiving SSI benefits or planning to apply, it’s important to stay informed about these changes and how they might affect your eligibility and application process. The SSA’s adjustments reflect an ongoing effort to make the system more efficient and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries.
By focusing on recent employment and simplifying the work history requirement, the SSA aims to provide a more straightforward and accessible process for those in need of SSI benefits.
FAQs
Why were over 100,000 people removed from SSI benefits?
Changes in eligibility criteria and re-evaluation of existing beneficiaries.
Which states saw the most significant reductions in SSI recipients?
California and Texas experienced the largest decreases.
What are the new SSI application requirements starting in June 2024?
A five-year limit on work history and elimination of short-term employment considerations.
How will the new SSI rules improve the application process?
They will streamline the process, reduce wait times, and improve data accuracy.
What should current SSI beneficiaries do to stay informed about these changes?
Regularly check the SSA website and official communications for updates.