As 2024 progresses, a significant number of Americans are saying goodbye to their Social Security checks. Approximately 30,000 individuals, particularly children of deceased workers, will no longer receive benefits.
This is due to changing eligibility criteria, according to recent data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This article delves into the reasons behind these changes and lists the groups most affected by the cut.
Why Are Social Security Checks Being Cut?
The SSA is responsible for reviewing and adjusting benefits periodically to ensure compliance with their eligibility requirements. In 2024, one of the primary changes affected children who were receiving Social Security survivor benefits.
Approximately 30,000 children lost these benefits between January and July of this year, marking a notable decline. As of January 2024, 2.04 million children were receiving survivor benefits, but by July, this number had dropped to 2.01 million.
Several factors contribute to this loss of benefits:
- Eligibility reviews: The SSA routinely conducts eligibility reviews to ensure that beneficiaries still meet the required criteria. If a child no longer qualifies, for instance due to age or changes in household income, their benefits are discontinued.
- Income thresholds: Beneficiaries may lose benefits if their family or guardian’s income exceeds the set limit. Social Security has a strict earnings test in place, meaning that exceeding the limit can lead to reduced or eliminated benefits.
- Aging out of the system: Children receiving survivor benefits typically lose their eligibility when they turn 18, though exceptions may apply in some cases.
- Declining birth rates: Some experts believe that the decreasing birth rate among younger generations, like Gen Y and Gen Z, might also play a role in reducing the number of eligible recipients.
List of Those Affected by the Cuts
Below is a table outlining the key categories of Americans impacted by the 2024 cuts:
| Affected Group | Reason for Losing Benefits |
|---|---|
| Children of deceased workers | Aging out of eligibility (turning 18), income exceeding thresholds |
| SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients | Increased earnings, changes in living circumstances |
| SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) recipients | Earnings surpassing substantial gainful activity limit |
| Incarcerated individuals | Suspension of benefits during incarceration longer than 30 days |
| Divorced individuals | Benefits lost if remarried or married for less than 10 years |
How Social Security Benefit Changes Affect SSI and SSDI
While the removal of benefits for children of deceased workers is one of the most significant changes, it’s not the only adjustment this year. More than 100,000 people, particularly disabled and blind SSI recipients, were removed from the SSI program in 2024.
These cuts disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals who rely on Social Security to meet their basic living needs.For those on SSDI, a nine-month trial work period allows beneficiaries to return to work without losing benefits.
However, after this period, if earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity limit, benefits are suspended. Similarly, SSI recipients face benefit reductions if their earnings increase beyond certain thresholds.
Conclusion
The Social Security cuts in 2024 are affecting a wide range of individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like children of deceased workers, disabled individuals, and low-income seniors. These changes reflect the SSA’s ongoing effort to maintain a balanced and fair distribution of benefits, but for those affected, the loss of Social Security checks can be a significant financial hardship.
Understanding the reasons behind these cuts and knowing what to expect can help recipients plan and adapt to the new rules.
FAQs
1. Why are children losing Social Security benefits?
Children lose Social Security benefits primarily due to aging out of eligibility (turning 18) or changes in household income that exceed SSA limits.
2. Can SSI recipients lose their benefits if they start working?
Yes, SSI benefits can be reduced or terminated if a recipient’s earnings exceed the program’s income thresholds.
3. How do Social Security benefit suspensions affect incarcerated individuals?
Social Security benefits are suspended for individuals incarcerated for more than 30 days. However, they can be reinstated after release.
4. What happens to SSDI recipients if they start working?
SSDI recipients are allowed a nine-month trial period where they can work without losing benefits. After this period, earnings above the substantial gainful activity limit result in benefit suspension.
5. Are divorced individuals at risk of losing their Social Security benefits?
Yes, if a divorced individual was married for less than 10 years or remarries, they may lose the benefits they were receiving based on their ex-spouse’s record
