The Social Security earthquake has become a major concern among retirees and other beneficiaries. The reason is quite simple their stability of income seems to be at high risk. The latest reports indicate that these specific financial restrictions may lead to the partial withholding of social security benefits, which may leave many individuals to worry about their regular expenses and cover their daily living costs.
Not only this, but the recent updates also highlight that individuals who have outstanding student loan debt may go through even greater disadvantages. Those who fail to repay these loans may get the deductions in their social security checks. This Social Security earthquake situation not only comes with a certain kind of uncertainty but also creates a huge problem among those who already experience financial hardships, especially when it comes to seniors who somehow depend on these benefits as their main source of income.
Social Security Earthquake
As per the data provided by the US Department of Education, nearly 2.9 million senior citizens aged 65 and above are going through the burden of unpaid student loans. This surprising data not only indicates the unpaid student loans but also shows the financial struggle that are continuing even into the retirement years for many Americans. Even after working for decades, most individuals are not enjoying a free-debt life.
This significant number of elderly individuals is still associated with long-standing educational debts, and this figure has increased by over 70% since 2007. If this current scenario persists like this, then this upward trajectory is likely to continue in the near future. Among the elders, this growing student loan debt burden comes with deep-rooted economic challenges. It may have serious implications on their financial well-being due to social security earthquake especially if they consider Society Security as their fixed income.
Social Security Shock Overview
Authority | US Department of Education |
Name of Program | Social Security Earthquake |
Country | USA |
Deduction Limit | Up to 15% of Social Security payments |
Outstanding Borrowers | About 2.9 million seniors |
Collection Program | Treasury Offset Program (TOP) |
Category | Government Aid |
Official Website | https://www.ed.gov/ |
How Seniors Face Reduced Benefits for Social Security Earthquake
Thousands of elderly individuals in America are soon going to face a reduction in their social security payments because of unpaid student loans, and here is the current situation breakdown:
- An estimated 2.9 million individuals who are 65 years old and above still have money on student loans.
- This figure has experienced a high increase of over 70% since 2007 and is anticipated to grow at a continuous pace.
- There will be a risk of cutting the monthly benefits of over 450,000 holders who have borrowed the money and not paid it yet.
- The government has taken certain measures to detect up to 15% from social security checks if loans remain unpaid through the Treasury Offset Program.
- The individuals who were informed about this deduction prior to the pandemic may not receive the updated alerts now.
- This collection action causes a lot of anxiety among affected seniors.
Loan Deduction Begins for Social Security Earthquake
Many senior citizens have seen a dip in their Social Security checks, and some people may not even receive new warnings for the Social Security cut and here is the complete details:
- From May 5th, the government initiated taking money again from social security to pay for unpaid student loans.
- People will not get a second notice if they have already been notified before the pandemic.
- Even after the money has been taken, the monthly social security check won’t go below $750.
- In case an individual misses the loan payment for 270 days, then this loan is considered as default and directly goes to the collection agency.
- The agency has the right to take your money from your social security benefits or paycheck.
- These actions were on halt during COVID-19, but now they have resumed again.
FAQs
Who is at risk of social security benefit cuts?
Seniors with unpaid federal student loans are at risk.
How much will be deducted under the Social Security Earthquake?
Up to 15% of social security payments.
How many seniors have taken student loans?
Around 2.9 million aged 65+.
What if the student loan was forgiven once and for all
So I don’t understand how they’re gonna make seniors on disability payback student loans, but not the college students.They’re gonna get debt forgiveness.Make this make sense