Congress Moves to Block Trump’s Social Security Assault

August 18, 2025

The Trump administration is preparing to implement severe cuts to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), targeting America's poorest seniors, children, and disabled adults. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly 400,000 people could lose critical income, with 275,000 facing cuts of approximately $300 monthly and over 100,000 potentially losing benefits entirely. The changes would particularly affect SSI recipients living with relatives who receive SNAP benefits by reversing Biden-era protections that shielded these families from harsh penalties.

Who is affected

Nearly 400,000 SSI recipients, including the nation's poorest seniors, children, and severely disabled adults
Over 275,000 people who would see cuts of about $300 a month
More than 100,000 people who could lose their benefits entirely
SSI recipients living with relatives who receive SNAP benefits
Families with disabled members or older relatives across the country
Low-income households surviving on about $17,000 annually
Residents across all states, with California (57,600 people), New York (35,900), Florida (30,800), and Texas (23,600) seeing significant impacts
7.5 million Americans who rely on SSI each month

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is preparing to impose sweeping cuts to Supplemental Security Income
Unions and community groups are mobilizing against the cuts
The AFL-CIO is conducting an "It's Better in a Union" bus tour
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is preparing a September bill called the "Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act"
Senator Ron Wyden has introduced a companion bill in the Senate that would add $5 billion in funding
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is fighting against Social Security staffing cuts

Why it matters

The cuts target families already under financial strain
Typical multi-person SNAP households with SSI recipients survive on about $17,000 annually—well below the poverty line
The changes could drive more disabled people into institutions and increase homelessness
The cuts add administrative burden by requiring families to track and report household expenses line by line
Social Security's trust funds are projected to be depleted by 2034, triggering an automatic 23% cut to monthly checks without Congressional action
For 7.5 million Americans who rely on SSI each month, the stakes are described as "life and death"
SSI provides essential support for medicine, housing, and basic necessities for vulnerable populations

What's next

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is preparing a September bill called the "Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act" aimed at reversing Trump's cuts, reopening shuttered field offices, and restoring staffing
Senator Ron Wyden's companion bill would add $5 billion in funding, restore staff, safeguard data, and launch an investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint