Fewer SSI recipients in 2024

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is undergoing significant changes. While some of these changes are aimed at improving the agency’s function and efficiency, much to the delight of users, others were rather unexpected and less beneficial.

One major change that will disappoint many is the removal of over 100,000 individuals from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program over the past year. If we dig deeper into the details, the number of Supplemental Security Income recipients decreased by 119,395 between May 2023 and May 2024. In May 2023, there were 7,380,737 SSI payments being paid out, but by May 2024, that number had dropped to 7,261,342 recipients.

Fewer SSI recipients in 2024

This reduction is particularly concerning because Supplemental Security Income is a critical support system for adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have minimal to no income, making them some of the most vulnerable members of our society. There are currently approximately 7.2 million SSI recipients:

• 6.1 million individuals fall into the disabled or blind category
• 1.1 million receivers are 65 years and older

As these changes continue to unfold, it is essential to stay informed and understand the potential impacts on those who rely on Supplemental Security Income benefits. The SSA’s adjustments underscore the need for continued advocacy and support for our most vulnerable populations.

Over the past year, the number of disabled or blind beneficiaries receiving benefits has increased. Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) has seen a notable decline. In May 2023, there were 6,281,068 recipients, but by May 2024, this number had dropped to 6,141,034, a reduction of 140,034 people. Conversely, the number of beneficiaries aged 65 and over has increased by 20,639, from 1,099,669 to 1,120,308 over the same period. This shift may partly explain the decline observed in the categories of disabled and blind people.

Understanding the Decline of Disabled and Blind SSI Recipients

The reasons for the decline in the number of disabled or blind people receiving Supplemental Security Income are not immediately clear. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has not issued specific statements on the matter. However, the data are undeniable, and the current economic climate poses a significant challenge to those who rely on benefits. Without these benefits, their situation could be even more dire.

State-specific trends in SSI declines

While the overall decline in Supplemental Security Income recipients is nationwide, certain states have experienced more significant declines than others. In particular, more than 10,000 individuals in some states are no longer receiving benefits.

• California: As the state with the highest number of SSI applicants, California saw a decrease of 16,573 SSI applications from May 2023 to May 2024. The largest portion of this decrease was among those classified as blind or disabled, with numbers dropping from 708,695 to 690,351. This means that more than 17,000 individuals in this category are no longer receiving disability benefits.

The shifts in these numbers highlight the changing landscape of SSI recipients and underscore the importance of understanding the factors that influence these trends. As we navigate these changes, it is critical to consider the broader economic and social factors at play, and how they impact the lives of those who rely on these benefits.

Texas saw a significant decline in the number of SSI beneficiaries, with a decrease of 14,587 claims. In May 2023, there were 591,710 recipients, falling to 577,123 in May 2024. Other populous states saw similar trends. In New York, for example, the number of SSI recipients fell from 568,777 to 559,222 over the same period.

States with minimal declines

However, not all states experienced substantial changes in their SSI recipients. North Dakota saw a minimal drop of just 17 recipients, from 7,923 to 7,906. Most of these recipients were disabled or blind. Rhode Island also reported a slight swing, with its number of recipients shifting from 30,317 in 2023 to 30,015 in May 2024, a change of about 300 recipients.

Possible reasons behind the changes

While some of these changes can be attributed to population shifts, variations in circumstances and demographics, or even chance, there is another possibility that we must consider.

• Population shifts
• Changes in circumstances
• Demographic variations
• Random fluctuations

To understand these trends, a deeper analysis of the factors influencing the SSI program in different states is needed.