What impact did the policies of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s have on Social Security benefits?

The correct choice reflects the significant changes implemented during Ronald Reagan's presidency, particularly regarding Social Security benefits. In the 1980s, there was a strong emphasis on reducing government spending and addressing concerns about the solvency of Social Security. As part of this fiscal strategy, the Reagan administration instituted stricter eligibility checks for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This led to increased scrutiny of existing beneficiaries and a rise in terminations for individuals who were deemed no longer eligible under the more stringent criteria.

These initiatives were part of a broader neoliberal agenda that aimed to mitigate what was perceived as an expanding welfare state. Stricter eligibility requirements aimed to ensure that assistance was targeted towards those who truly needed it, but they also resulted in many individuals losing access to critical support.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the effects of Reagan's policies on Social Security. The administration did not increase funding for individuals with disabilities or guarantee lifelong benefits, nor did it notably enhance welfare programs for disabled individuals. Instead, the focus was on tightening the system, making it more difficult for some beneficiaries to retain their benefits. Thus, the impact of the policies during this time was to create a more rigorous evaluation process, which ultimately led to more terminations of benefits.