Social Security Administration threatens benefits for 170,000 without SSNs

In recent months, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been evaluating a controversial policy that would bar payments to individuals serving as representative payees but lacking Social Security numbers. This consideration is part of a broader agenda aimed at tackling fraud and waste within federal programs, driven by the Trump administration and supported by figures like Elon Musk. The draft policy could affect around 170,000 individuals, many of whom are family members or caregivers managing benefits for vulnerable beneficiaries, particularly children with disabilities. The proposal has raised alarms among advocates for the disabled, as it threatens potentially critical support for these groups. In the United Kingdom, the government has unveiled plans to implement significant changes to disability benefits in an effort to save £5 billion. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the current social security system is failing its intended beneficiaries and holding the country back. Starting in November 2026, stricter eligibility criteria will apply to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), requiring individuals to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for daily living components. The announcement has faced backlash from charities and opposition politicians, who argue that it could lead to increased suffering among those needing support. Concurrently, the SSA's action plan indicated plans to eliminate some customer phone support while pushing for more in-person appointments, raising concern about accessibility for beneficiaries who rely heavily on these services. A substantial reduction in the agency's workforce, coupled with proposed changes to operational procedures, particularly those that demand personal attendance for benefit claims, is concerning many stakeholders. They worry that this shift could result in longer wait times and complicate the already overwhelming process of securing necessary support for those in need. The ambitious restructuring and proposed cuts at SSA serve as a part of a larger narrative reflecting the ongoing negotiations regarding the stability and accessibility of social safety nets. With the government advocating for policy changes purportedly designed to streamline operations and save costs, critics warn that these actions may disproportionately harm vulnerable populations that the system is meant to protect. As these developments unfold, affected individuals and advocates continue to voice their concerns about the potential impact of such sweeping reforms on a fragile population that often depends entirely on these benefits for their livelihoods.