The initiative is driven by Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, as part of a broader effort under the Project 2025 agenda to restructure federal programs and shift power toward the executive branch.

The Social Security Administration plans to propose updates to occupational data sources and improve adjudication processes, with public comments to be solicited during rulemaking.

The disability program's eligibility criteria are complex, involving medical conditions, age, work history, and education, with those over 50 more likely to qualify.

Political reactions are divided, with Democrats condemning the move as a betrayal of campaign promises to protect Social Security, while Republicans defend the modernization efforts.

Older workers denied disability benefits may opt for early retirement at age 62, which can lead to a 30% reduction in lifetime Social Security benefits, and many do not return to work.

The Trump administration is considering significant policy changes to the Social Security disability benefits system, including eliminating age as a factor or raising the eligibility age to 60, which could reduce the number of beneficiaries.

These reforms aim to modernize the assessment process by updating outdated occupational data and improving adjudication, potentially making the system more efficient but also risking eligibility reductions.

Critics warn that such changes threaten vulnerable populations, especially those over 50 who cannot reenter the workforce due to health issues, and could lead to severe financial impacts for many disabled Americans.

Supporters argue that as people live longer and manual jobs decline, more disabled individuals might perform desk jobs, which could reduce claims, but there are concerns about an increase in mental health disability claims.

Experts estimate that a 10% tightening of eligibility could result in nearly 750,000 fewer people receiving benefits over a decade, including 80,000 fewer widows and children, saving over $82 billion.

The proposed reforms also include tightening rules for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), potentially affecting up to 400,000 individuals.

Legal experts and advocates highlight that many older disabled individuals cannot return to work due to skills mismatch and employer biases, and that benefit cuts could severely impact their financial stability.