Trump’s team pledges to protect Social Security, even as it proposes cuts to parts of the program

As pressure mounts to address Social Security financing issues, the government is looking for ways to save money in the program.

Social Security is running out of funding. By 2034, a large trust fund will be created, and beneficiaries will receive only 81% of their expected benefits. Several resolutions have been proposed to keep the program 100% funded, including raising the maximum amount of an individual’s earnings subject to Social Security taxes, increasing payroll taxes, or automatically adjusting earnings or benefits when a shortfall occurs.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he will not cut Social Security’s main retirement program. However, the administration has proposed cuts to the Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability programs, which would reduce or eliminate coverage for some current beneficiaries.

Raising the age for Americans to qualify for full retirement benefits

Currently, Americans can receive reduced Social Security benefits starting at age 62. But to get their full retirement benefits in 2025, they have to wait until they turn 66 years and 8 months.

The full retirement age was 65, but a law passed in 1983 gradually increased the age over many years. In 2026, the free assessment rate is 66 and 10 months, and in 2027 onwards, it rises to 67.

In September, Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano said in an interview that the Social Security Administration was considering raising the age at which Americans can receive full retirement benefits again in an effort to save money and prolong Social Security.

“Everything will be taken into account,” Bisignano said. “Future generations will likely have a different set of rules than we did.”

The next day, Bisignano reversed this claim and said via the SSA X social media account that the administration was not considering raising the retirement age.

Reducing the number of Americans eligible for Supplemental Security Income

Earlier this year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began the process of changing eligibility criteria for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that provides additional income to some seniors and individuals with disabilities who have limited or no income.

In order to qualify for SSI, beneficiaries must be part of a “public assistance household.”
Previously, this meant that all family members must receive federal benefits, such as Social Security benefits, disaster relief, or other forms of assistance.

The Biden administration has expanded the definition of a public assistance family, requiring only one member to receive federal benefits. He also expanded eligible federal benefits, adding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

In August, the Trump administration’s Social Security Administration proposed reversing Biden’s changes and tightening restrictions again. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates show that nearly 400,000 people currently receiving SSI benefits will be left out of the program entirely or have their benefits reduced by hundreds of dollars per month.

Change eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance

The Trump administration is considering changes to eligibility criteria for disability benefits, which would make it harder for many to qualify.

Social Security Disability Insurance, known as SSDI, provides financial assistance to Americans who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability. Currently, the factors used to determine whether a person’s disability renders them unable to work include the severity of the disability, age, and previous work experience.

Applicants who are 50 or older generally have a greater chance of receiving SSDI, since age can affect their ability to adapt to another type of work. but, The Washington Post I reported in early October that the SSA proposed eliminating the age factor, making it harder for seniors to qualify, or raising the minimum to 60.

The change could reduce the number of new applicants approved for SSDI benefits by up to 30% for older age groups, according to a report by Jack Smalligan, a senior policy fellow at the Urban Institute.