From United Spinal Association ...
So much has changed since 1989. One thing that has not changed is the asset limits for Supplementary Security Income (SSI) - $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
SSI is a lifeline for millions of people with disabilities in the United States. Not only does it provide some income support, but the Medicaid eligibility it provides is so crucial for so many. However, the lack of an update to the asset limit since 1989 has trapped those on SSI in effective poverty - and nobody should be trapped in poverty because they have a disability. It's long past time this was addressed.
Thankfully, momentum is building to finally fix this. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (H.R. 5408/S. 2767) has been introduced by members of Congress from both parties in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. A wide coalition of supporters, including disability organizations, businesses, and religious groups, have mobilized to tell Congress to pass this legislation.
Click Here To Support the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
This bill would raise the SSI asset limit to $10,000 for an individual and $20,000 for a couple and then update that each year for inflation. This would allow people on SSI to be able to save for emergencies, remove a barrier to employment, and make it easier for people with disabilities to find safe, stable housing.
What we need to do now is contact our Representatives and Senators to ask them to cosponsor this important bill that would change the lives of so many. If you have trouble with the button above, you can click the link here.
Thanks,
Steve Lieberman
Director, Advocacy & Policy, United Spinal Association
If you are interested in disability advocacy issues like this one, contact Colleen Downs, Systems Advocate at: colleen@ncci-online.com -- 518-563-9058 Ext. 110
The Mission of the North Country Center for Independence is to help people with disabilities to live more independent and productive lives, and promote better policies and community understanding of disability issues. NCCI serves people with disabilities, families, and the community on issues related to physical and mental disabilities. NCCI is led and staffed mostly by people with disabilities. It is one of the 41 Independent Living Centers in New York State. There are also hundreds of similar centers throughout the United States. NCCI serves Clinton and Essex Counties, New York.