Trump Administration Proposes Cutting Benefits for Disabled Adults Living With Families

The Trump administration is planning to introduce a rule change that would reduce Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for disabled adults who live with their families, according to internal documents and federal officials. This move could significantly impact approximately 400,000 low-income individuals, including Shy’tyra Burton, a 22-year-old with severe developmental disabilities, who relies on her father’s support to make ends meet.

Burton, born prematurely in Philadelphia, faced significant challenges from an early age and was approved for SSI benefits at age 18. Her $994 monthly payment is crucial, yet it remains insufficient to live independently. Like many disabled adults, she continues to reside with her family, a decision that the administration now seeks to penalize by deducting the value of her bedroom from her SSI allotment. This deduction could slash her benefits by up to one-third, leaving her with just $330 monthly—a blow that would force her and others like her into deeper financial instability.

The proposed rule change targets families already enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which requires extensive income verification to qualify. Despite this, the Trump administration’s plan would reduce SSI benefits for disabled adults living with low-income relatives, arguing that such arrangements indicate the family can afford to support them. This reversal of a Biden-era policy has drawn sharp criticism from advocates, including Galen Carey of the National Association of Evangelicals, who described the move as morally indefensible and harmful to vulnerable individuals.

The administration’s push to cut SSI benefits reflects its broader efforts to reduce spending on disability programs, despite their strict eligibility criteria and low fraud rates. Opponents argue that penalizing disabled adults for relying on family support undermines their ability to thrive and places an undue burden on already struggling households. As the rule change nears implementation, advocates are urging Congress and public officials to protect these vital benefits for some of society’s most vulnerable members.