Disabled and low-income Americans are facing increasing obstacles in accessing Social Security benefits, a report scheduled for release next month finds. Advocates warn that changes under the Trump administration–including staff reductions, updated phone systems, and policy tweaks–have made high-touch support harder to obtain, raising risks of food insecurity, housing instability, and mental health crises.The research, conducted by California State University, Sacramento; University of Wisconsin-Madison; and State University of New York, Binghamton, draws on interviews with 14 benefits specialists, attorneys, and other advocates who assist multiple claimants, according to US-based news portal Axios. The findings highlight difficulties in navigating Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and disability benefits, particularly for those without reliable internet access.“Every time I went to the appointment, they said it’s only for 10 minutes,” said F. Johnson. She described efforts to restore SSI benefits for her 19-year-old disabled grandson, noting little success until legal counsel intervened. Advocates report similar experiences nationwide, with short office visits and rerouted calls frustrating claimants.SSI recipients include nearly 900,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities, 800,000 autistic or developmentally disabled people, and 350,000 living with schizophrenia. Recipients cannot hold more than Rs2,000 ($24) in the bank, and the rules for reporting changes to the SSA are complex. Barton Mackey, press officer at the SSA, said, “The commissioner recently named a dedicated executive to lead SSI, a first for the agency, bringing a heightened focus on reducing complexity and easing the ability for recipients to report changes.”The agency has implemented electronic verification of wages and assets to reduce claimant burden and improve payment accuracy. Customer satisfaction data indicates that nearly 90% of callers were satisfied or beyond satisfied. Commissioner Frank Bisignano noted that most interactions occur online: “We do 1.5 trillion transactions on the web a day and only 130,000 visitors to our field office.”Despite these improvements, advocates say navigating the system remains challenging. “Processes have become not easier, but much harder,” a Denver-based benefits specialist noted. Legal Services of Philadelphia attorney Jen Burdick reported clients losing payments, facing eviction notices, or becoming homeless, highlighting the stakes for low-income beneficiaries.2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) provides limited reliefAdding to the financial pressures, Social Security’s 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is projected at 2.7–2.8%, slightly above the 2.5% increase in 2025. For the average retiree receiving Rs2,008 ($24,000 annually), this translates to roughly Rs54 ($0.64) per month. Rising Medicare Part B premiums, projected to increase by Rs21.50 ($0.25) monthly, will reduce the net gain to around Rs32–33 ($0.38), limiting the benefit of the COLA increase.Other 2026 changes include increasing the full retirement age to 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959, raising the taxable wage base, and adjusting earnings thresholds for retirees under full retirement age.Financial planners advise retirees to factor in rising healthcare and prescription drug costs when budgeting and to consider supplemental income sources to preserve long-term stability. While the COLA offers some relief, systemic barriers in accessing SSI and disability benefits remain a pressing concern for millions relying on Social Security as a lifeline.The SSA will announce the final 2026 COLA in mid-October along with Medicare premium adjustments. The upcoming research report will provide further insight into the obstacles facing disabled and low-income beneficiaries, highlighting a system under strain even as modest adjustments offer limited financial relief.
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