You’ve probably heard politicians talking about supporting families, but when you look at programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you see a different reality. If you or a loved one relies on SSI, you know that to qualify, you must have a disability and keep your assets below a rigid limit of $2,000—a figure that hasn’t changed since 1989. Yes, that’s more than 30 years without any adjustment for inflation, even as the cost of living has soared.
For those who are married, the situation is even more disheartening. The asset limit for a couple isn’t double the individual limit; it’s just $3,000. This outdated rule means that getting married actually penalizes you by reducing the amount you can save. Instead of promoting family stability, SSI’s antiquated regulations are actively discouraging marriage and pushing people with disabilities into deeper financial hardship.
That’s where the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (H.R. 5408 / S. 2767) comes into play. This bipartisan bill seeks to address this issue by increasing the asset limit to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples. Even better, future asset limits would be tied to inflation, so they’ll automatically adjust as the cost of living rises—no more getting left behind.
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
How SSI Policies May Be Affecting Your Family
Under the current rules, qualifying for SSI means you have to meet three strict conditions: having a disability, keeping your income below certain limits, and maintaining assets of less than $2,000. Imagine living with the constant stress of knowing that saving too much money—maybe for an emergency, your children’s education, or even a modest vacation—could mean losing your benefits. For couples, the rules are even more restrictive. Marrying someone who also qualifies for SSI could push you both further into financial instability.
The original goal of SSI was to support people with disabilities. But today, it’s trapping many in poverty by punishing those who try to save or form a family. Raising the asset limits and tying future increases to inflation would allow individuals and families to live with greater financial security. It’s not just about the money—it’s about your dignity and the ability to build a future without constantly fearing the loss of essential benefits.
It’s time to end strict public benefit rules to close the wage gap for disabled women. These rules prevent disabled women from working while they get the support they need to survive. Tell Congress: Pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act! #DisabledWomensEPD
— equalpaytoday (@EqualPay2dayOrg) September 18, 2024
Your voice and your story matter in this fight for change. Together, we can push for a more compassionate and fair system that truly supports the well-being of every family.
I am eiljben for this one let me know if
Sure.
Senoirs build the country and now we cannot even have a decent amount of money to cushion us from the ridiculous prices it takes to live.and now we are even more under the gun.but illegals can have everything handed to them after we built it all.TOTALLY BULLSHIT WE AS AMERICAN THAT HAVE BEEN PRODUCING ALL ARE LIVES ARE NOW PENILIZED FOR HAVE NOT EVEN ENOUGH .AS WE STUGGLE EVERY MOUNTH TO MAKE IT.
Will update if there is someting new happen.