Thousands of Americans to Lose Social Security Checks This Year – Know Who Will Be Affected

Thousands of American children will see their Social Security benefits cut starting in January 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already removed approximately 30,000 children of deceased workers from receiving Social Security benefits this year. These cuts mean that some of the nation’s neediest children—those who rely on monthly checks for essential living expenses such as housing, food, and healthcare—will no longer have access to these funds.

Cuts

Social Security provides essential monthly checks to elderly, disabled, and surviving family members of deceased workers. However, recent data shows a significant drop in the number of children receiving these benefits. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who spoke about his own family’s reliance on Social Security after his father’s death, highlighted the importance of these payments. Unfortunately, from January to July 2024, the number of children receiving Social Security survivor benefits decreased from 2.04 million to approximately 2.01 million—a loss of around 30,000 beneficiaries.

This reduction has sparked confusion and concern. Financial literacy expert Alex Beene noted that the decline in children receiving Social Security checks remains unexplained, with no official response from the SSA. Kevin Thompson, a financial expert, explained that the SSA periodically reviews eligibility criteria, which can lead to some beneficiaries losing their benefits. Factors such as age, income, or a child no longer meeting specific eligibility requirements may result in cuts.

Reasons

There are several reasons why thousands of children have been removed from Social Security survivor benefits:

1. Age and Eligibility Reviews:
   The SSA routinely reviews eligibility, which can lead to the removal of recipients from the program. For example, children are typically eligible for benefits only until they turn 18 or get married. Regular reviews may determine that some children no longer qualify for these benefits.
2. Income Limitations:
   Beneficiaries must meet specific income criteria to remain eligible. If a child’s or family’s income exceeds a certain threshold, benefits may be reduced or canceled. Thompson noted that the SSA’s earnings test could kick in if the income exceeds allowable limits, affecting benefit eligibility.
3. Demographic Factors:
   Changes in birth rates and shifting demographics can also impact Social Security rolls. For example, if parents need to take on additional work to cover expenses, this may affect their child’s eligibility for survivor benefits. With many children aging out of the program and lower birth rates among Generation Y and Generation Z, the number of eligible children may continue to decline.

Other Options

Despite the reduction in benefits, some children may still qualify for support through other programs. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, for instance, can provide monthly payments to children with disabilities.

Can Children Qualify

Yes, some children can qualify for Social Security payments through the SSI program, but they must meet specific, strict criteria. SSI benefits are designed as financial assistance for low-income individuals, and in some cases, children with disabilities may be eligible. For example, a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could qualify for SSI benefits if they meet certain medical and financial requirements.

Eligibility:

1. Social Interaction Deficits:
   The child must have significant difficulty interacting with others.
2. Communication Deficits:
   There must be clear limitations in both verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
3. Repetitive Patterns of Behavior:
   This includes a limited range of interests or activities that are repetitive in nature.

The SSI program is vital for families struggling to pay for the specialized care and therapies needed for children with disabilities. However, meeting the medical and financial requirements set by the SSA is crucial to qualify for these benefits.

Impact

These cuts to Social Security benefits for children come at a challenging time, as many families depend on these funds to cover essential expenses. As the number of eligible children continues to decline, understanding the reasons behind these changes and investigating other potential support options becomes more important than ever.

If you or someone you know has been affected by these cuts, consider consulting a financial advisor or reaching out to the SSA directly for guidance on other available benefits or programs that may help bridge the financial gap.

FAQs