Millions of Americans depend on Social Security disability benefits to meet their basic needs, but recent changes to the federal benefits system have made the process increasingly difficult. A new report highlights that policy shifts introduced in 2025 by the second Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including staffing reductions and administrative overhauls, have created additional barriers for people trying to access disability support.
The report, co-authored by Matthew Borus of Binghamton University along with Katie Savin from California State University, Sacramento, and Callie Freitag from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, examines how these changes are affecting the system. Published by the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund and the American Association of People with Disabilities, the study draws on interviews with 52 benefits specialists from 32 organizations that assist individuals applying for or maintaining Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Researchers found that the policy and operational changes have significantly complicated interactions with the Social Security Administration. Specialists reported that applicants often struggle to reach the right officials or receive timely assistance, leaving some individuals in urgent situations—such as severe medical crises or the risk of homelessness—waiting for help. The new challenges also affect current beneficiaries who need to update documents or appeal decisions.
The study indicates that the barriers are particularly severe for already marginalized populations, including people with unstable housing, immigrant families, and those with limited internet access. According to the researchers, one of the most significant contributors to the current difficulties is the scale of staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration, which are believed to be among the largest in the agency’s history. These reductions have forced staff to take on unfamiliar roles, weakening the efficiency of specialized services.
The changes have also placed additional strain on community organizations and advocacy groups that help individuals navigate the disability benefits system. Tasks that were once routine now require more time and effort, reducing the ability of these groups to support a larger number of claimants and creating broader challenges in delivering essential assistance.
Based on their findings, the researchers outlined several recommendations aimed at improving access to disability benefits. These include restoring adequate staffing levels, ensuring consistent service availability through field offices and phone systems, and safeguarding benefit access for vulnerable groups. The research team also plans to share the findings through a professional webinar and release a plain-language summary to make the information more accessible to the public.
