SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act: Politicians often say they support families, but the reality of programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) tells a different story. To qualify for SSI, you need to be disabled and have no more than $2,000 in assets, a limit that hasn’t changed since 1989. Yes, since 1989! This outdated cap hasn’t kept up with inflation, even though the cost of living has gone up significantly.
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It’s even harder for married couples. Their combined asset limit is only $3,000, not double the amount for a single person. This means people are actually penalized for getting married because they can save less money. SSI’s old rules discourage marriage and put disabled people in a tough financial spot instead of supporting family life.
The SSI asset limit of $2,000 was set in 1989 when gas was only $1 per gallon! Gas prices have TRIPLED since then, yet SSI asset limits remain unchanged. Tell Congress to #UpdateSSI by supporting the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act: https://t.co/TlycgfNZ54 pic.twitter.com/ydCcO72PAv
— The Arc of the United States (@TheArcUS) September 18, 2024
The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (H.R. 5408 / S. 2767) is relevant in this situation. The goal of this bipartisan bill is to make things right by raising the asset limit to $20,000 for married couples and $10,000 for individuals. Future asset limitations would also be linked to inflation, meaning that as living expenses increase, they will automatically adjust.
The effects of SSI policies on families
There are three rules that you must follow to get SSI: you must be disabled, your income must stay below a certain level, and you must have less than $2,000 in assets. Imagine always being afraid that you could lose your benefits if you save too much money, like for an emergency or your kids’ school. In addition, the system is even less fair for couples.
Things the way they are now, getting married to someone who gets SSI may make you both even poorer.
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Even though SSI is supposed to help disabled people, many stay poor because of the way it is set up now, which makes saving and getting married harder. People and families could feel safer about their finances if the asset limits were raised and future increases were linked to inflation.
It’s not just about the money, it’s also about having respect and being able to plan for the future without having to worry about losing things you need.
