Proposed Plan to Limit Disability Benefits: What You Should Know

A recent report details a proposal under consideration by the Trump administration to tighten eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) especially for older Americans. If enacted, these changes could make it harder for many to qualify.

At Green & Greenberg, we’re keeping a close eye on this. It’s essential for anyone applying for, appealing, or receiving disability benefits to understand what these changes might mean.

What the Proposal Would Do

Some of the key elements of the plan include:

• Eliminating or raising age-based rules: Currently, age is a factor that helps older applicants (50 and over). The proposal would remove or raise that benefit threshold.
• Replacing the outdated occupational database with a modern job database. This would likely increase the number of occupations the SSA considers as “work you can do,” making more applicants appear employable.
• Reducing retroactive benefit periods: One media report indicates the administration may cut the retroactive benefits period from 12 months to 6 months for SSDI claims.

These changes are still proposals. They are not law yet, and the public will likely have opportunities to comment. But they reflect a shift in the administration’s approach to disability benefits.

Who Would Be Most Affected

If implemented, these changes could affect:

• Older applicants (50 and over), who often rely on the “age factor” when shifting to other work is unlikely.
• Applicants with moderate impairments who currently qualify under grid rules but may appear employable under stricter standards.
• Claimants seeking retroactive awards, especially those waiting on decisions and intending to recover back pay.
• People with variable conditions (mental health, pain disorders), who already struggle to match rigid “job capability” assessments.

In fact, analysts estimate a 10% reduction in disability eligibility could affect up to 750,000 people, with a projected savings of $82 billion over ten years.

Why This Matters for Current Applicants & Recipients

• You may need to submit stronger evidence earlier in the process.
• Decisions that previously worked in your favor might be scrutinized more heavily.
• Retroactive benefits might be harder to claim or be reduced.
• The burden will shift more to applicants and their legal representation to prove entitlement.

If you have already filed or are considering a disability claim, these proposals highlight the importance of getting your evidence, medical records, and testimony aligned from the start.

How Green & Greenberg Helps in a Changing Landscape

We don’t just monitor these developments — we prepare our clients for them. Here’s how we adapt:

• We challenge denials and improperly applied grid rules, especially in light of evolving standards.
• We interpret how these proposals might impact appeals, retroactive awards, and strategy.
• We advocate robustly for clients now, before changes take effect.

If the rules become stricter, having experienced legal representation will become even more critical.

At Green & Greenberg, our mission has always been to secure the benefits people deserve — no matter how the standards shift. If you’re starting a claim or have been denied, reach out for a consultation. We’ll help navigate this evolving environment and protect your rights.