The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides critical support for millions of people with disabilities and their families to be able to afford necessities like food and rent. But SSI has many unfair and outdated rules that make it hard for people to save money and get out of poverty.
For example, people who get SSI can only have $2,000 in assets or $3,000 if they are married—this includes money in bank accounts, property, and savings. These asset limits have not been updated since 1989, forcing many people with disabilities into poverty.
We need changes to SSI now that would significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities who receive SSI!
The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act raises the asset limit to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples. The legislation also adjusts that number for inflation every year. This will allow SSI beneficiaries to better address needed emergencies when they arise.
