‘A national disgrace’: Trump proposes Social Security change that could end disability benefits for hundreds of thousands

Activists are working to raise public awareness and outrage over a little-noticed Trump administration proposal that could strip life-saving disability benefits from hundreds of thousands of people by further complicating the way the Social Security Administration determines who is eligible for payments.

The proposed rule change was first published in the Federal Register last month but has received scarce attention in the national media. Last week, the Social Security Administration extended the public comment period on the proposal until January 31, 2020.

“The Trump administration is attacking another vulnerable population: those who are disabled and receiving Social Security Disability benefits,” tweeted patient advocate Peter Morley, who lobbies Congress on healthcare issues. “This is a national disgrace.”