New Social Security Administration Commissioner Sworn-In – What Changes Should Disabled Americans Watch Out For?

Earlier this month, a new Social Security Administration commissioner was sworn into his post, and Social Security Disability benefits recipients, applicants, and disabled individuals throughout the United States are wondering what kinds of changes they should look out for in the near future. The change to the agency’s leadership comes at a time where a “host of changes” have been made at the federal level, much due to cuts from the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Currently 73 million people are reported to rely on Social Security Disability benefits to survive. Here we describe several changes that Social Security Disability benefits recipients, applicants, and disabled Americans may see as a result of the changing of leadership at the SSA.

The Social Security Fairness Act

The Social Security Fairness Act, an Act signed by former President Biden that went into effect on January 5, “…provides higher monthly Social Security checks for individuals who also receive pensions from work that did not include payment of Social Security payroll taxes. It will also provide lump sum retroactive payments starting from January 2024.” According to the SSA, “Monthly benefit increases may range from ‘very little’ to ‘over $1,000 more each month.’”

The New Default “Withholding Rate”

Under former President Biden, the default “withholding rate,” the rate withheld due to overpayment errors, was reduced from 100% to just 10%. President Trump, through DOGE, attempted to change the rate back to 100%. However, the SSA has now announced that it will impose a 50% withholding rate for Social Security Disability benefits recipients.

Student Loans and SSD

As of May 5, the United States Federal Government, Under President Trump, has resumed collections on federal student loans that are in default. As part of the loan recoupment efforts, under the Trump administration, “The IRS may take a portion of Social Security payments until it recoups the full balance of overdue federal tax debts.”

In-Person Visits to SSA Offices Required for Some

Under the DOGE and the Trump administration, nearly 2 million “elderly and disabled individuals may need to visit Social Security offices in person annually.” According to the Trump administration, individuals will now be required to handle some appointments in person to “prevent fraud.”

Getting Legal Help with Your Social Security Disability Case – Social Security Disability Lawyer

There is no doubt that the landscape of Social Security appears to be rapidly changing, and keeping up with all the changes is challenging for many disabled Americans. If you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits, it is best to have a strong legal advocate by your side. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help disabled Americans get Social Security Disability Benefits due to them. They can help by listening to the facts of your case to see if they can help fight to get you Social Security Disability benefits due to you. Do not hesitate to get legal help today. Contact Nationwide Disability Law and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

cnbc.com/2025/05/11/social-security-changes-to-monitor-under-new-agency-leadership.html