Nationwide Decline in SSI Recipients: An In-Depth Analysis

Over the past year, the number of individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits has significantly decreased. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 100,000 people have been removed from SSI rolls nationwide. This article delves into the specifics of this decline, examining trends, potential causes, and state-specific data.

Decline in SSI Recipients: A Nationwide Trend

Between May 2023 and May 2024, the number of SSI recipients dropped by 119,395. In May 2023, the SSA distributed payments to 7,380,737 individuals, while in May 2024, that number fell to 7,261,342. This decrease primarily affects adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have little to no income, and make up the majority of SSI claimants.

Demographic Breakdown

Disabled or Blind Recipients: The most substantial drop occurred in this category, with 140,034 fewer people receiving benefits in May 2024 compared to the previous year. This decline brought the total from 6,281,068 to 6,141,034. Recipients Aged 65 and Over Interestingly, the number of recipients in this age category rose slightly, from 1,099,669 in May 2023 to 1,120,308 in May 2024, marking an increase of 20,639 individuals.

State-by-State Analysis

The decline in SSI recipients varies significantly across different states, with some seeing substantial drops while others experienced minor fluctuations.

Major States with Significant Drops

• California: Known for having the highest number of SSI recipients, California saw a decrease of 16,573 claims. The number of blind or disabled recipients fell from 708,695 to 690,351.
• Texas: The state experienced a decline of 14,587 SSI claims, with numbers falling from 591,710 to 577,123.
• New York: SSI claims dropped from 568,777 to 559,222, reflecting a reduction of 9,555 recipients.

States with Minor Changes

• North Dakota: The number of SSI recipients decreased by only 17, from 7,923 to 7,906.
• Rhode Island: The state saw a small fluctuation, with the number of beneficiaries dropping by approximately 300, from 30,317 to 30,015.

Potential Causes and SSA Response

The reasons behind the decrease in SSI recipients, particularly among those who are disabled or blind, are not immediately clear. The SSA has yet to provide a detailed explanation, although changes in administrative policies and eligibility criteria could be contributing factors.

Recent Policy Changes

In June 2024, the SSA announced significant changes in how it evaluates claims for SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The agency removed several outdated or rarely performed jobs from its list used to determine eligibility, including occupations like reptile farmer and railroad telegrapher. These changes, effective from June 22, 2024, aim to streamline the evaluation process and ensure that it reflects current job market conditions.

The decline in SSI recipients over the past year highlights significant shifts in the distribution of benefits, particularly affecting those with disabilities or blindness. While some states have seen considerable decreases, others have experienced minimal changes. As the SSA continues to update its policies and criteria, further analysis will be necessary to fully understand the implications of these trends on the nation’s most vulnerable populations.