By The Opinion
People with disabilities who live with their families and are part of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program could be punished with cuts to their incomedue to an idea of the president’s government donald trump.
“President Donald Trump’s administration is about to penalize people […] simply by living in the same home as their families [y que] is working on a rule change that would deduct the value of a disabled adult’s room from their SSI allowance,” notes a ProPublica report.
Add that That cut would apply even to families that have incomes below the poverty level in the US.
“This would mean cutting benefits for some of the lowest-income SSI recipients by up to a third.” […] or completely eliminate their support,” it is added.
The report tells the story of Alarmed’tyra Burton, 22, who was born two months prematurely into a poor Philadelphia family, cannot breathe or eat food without tubes, and must regularly see a doctor.
Her case is a clear example of the help she requires from federal programs to survive, even despite her efforts to finish special education in high school and although she tried to look for work, she was not considered qualified for it, so a judge authorized her entry into the monthly aid program that could now be slashed up to $300 dollars.
The reason for the federal cuts is alleged fraud accused by the Trump administration, which will lead to modifications to various aid programs.
A first attempt at cuts pushed by White House budget director Russell Vought and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano was suspended after ProPublica revealed their intentions, but now the disability programs are at risk, since they are administered by the Social Security Administration, but are independent of the retirement program.
It is estimated that there are 400,000 poor, disabled and elderly indigent people who could be affected by the Trump administration’s plan, of which 13% are Hispanicaccording to official statistics.
Despite accusations of fraud, SSI is one of the most difficult programs for families to access, due to the requirements and investigation that accompanies the process.
In fact, of the 7.5 million Americans with severe disabilities that prevent them from working, only a low percentage can obtain the benefit, after a process that lasts years.
