U.S. Aims to Penalize Disabled Adults Who Live with Their Families

4 hours ago

Shy'tyra Burton has severe disabilities and receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to live with her low-income father.
The Trump administration is proposing a rule to deduct the value of a disabled adult's bedroom from SSI benefits if they live with family, potentially cutting benefits by up to a third.
This change could affect up to 400,000 poor, disabled, or elderly individuals across the U.S., particularly those in families also receiving SNAP benefits.
Opponents argue the rule is inhumane and may increase costs if individuals move to institutional care instead of staying at home.
The SSI program is complex and administratively costly, with strict eligibility and ongoing reviews, which this rule could exacerbate.
The Biden administration had simplified SSI rules for families already qualifying for other aid, but the Trump rule would reverse this, requiring detailed monthly reporting.
Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano faces internal tension over the rule's efficiency claims versus increased burdens on families and agency staff.

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