BLACK mobile logo

united states

Black Americans Face New Hardships Under Trump’s Social Security Overhaul

October 20, 2025

Major changes to Social Security set to take effect through 2026 are raising concerns about disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups, particularly African Americans. The reforms include raising the full retirement age to 67 for those born in 1960 or later, eliminating paper checks, tightening disability coverage eligibility, and altering benefit taxation. Experts warn these changes may exacerbate longstanding systemic inequities in a program that has historically disadvantaged Black Americans through occupational exclusions and other barriers.

Who is affected

  • African Americans and other historically marginalized groups
  • Working-class individuals, women, minorities, and seniors
  • People born in 1960 or later who will see retirement age increase to 67
  • Older workers (age 50+) applying for Social Security Disability Insurance
  • More than five million Americans who still rely on physical Social Security checks
  • Individuals without internet access or bank accounts
  • Black and Latino workers with lower life expectancy and physically demanding jobs

What action is being taken

  • The full retirement age is being increased to 67 for those born in 1960 or later
  • The Treasury Department is ending paper check issuance for Social Security payments as of September 30
  • The Trump administration is advancing rule changes to Social Security Disability Insurance that could reduce qualified applicants by 20%
  • Waivers for electronic payment requirements are being granted only in "rare circumstances"

Why it matters

  • Early benefit claims could reduce lifetime income by up to 30% for vulnerable populations
  • Black retirees already receive 19% less in Social Security benefits than white retirees
  • The changes may worsen existing racial and economic inequalities rather than addressing them
  • Reduced SSDI eligibility could force many to deplete savings early and claim smaller retirement benefits
  • Electronic-only payments could temporarily cut off vulnerable groups from essential income
  • Social Security has historically been the program that has lifted more Americans out of poverty than any other

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer