This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI provides cash assistance to people with disabilities and seniors over 65 with little to no income. This monetary support is meant to cover very basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. The benefits are capped at a maximum of $841 per month for individuals and $1,261 per month for married couples. 7.6 million people receive SSI benefits, with 85% of beneficiaries having a severe disability. Eligibility for SSI automatically qualifies one for Medicaid, which covers the costs of vital home and community care services that help people with disabilities live in their homes and communities like home-based attendant care, supportive housing, as well as wheelchairs and lifts. These are often not covered by private insurance and have high out-of-pocket costs well above the means of the average American, let alone those with the lowest incomes. These benefits provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable members of our communities.

However, strict resource limits are attached to eligibility. To receive benefits, individuals can have no more than $2000 in assets; for married couples, no more than $3000. These limits have existed since 1989 and are not indexed to inflation. The result is millions trapped in poverty, unable to take steps to increase their income and savings without suffering a grossly disproportionate loss in essential services for basic living.

As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, to love mercy, and to do justice, we must take action to fix what is unjust and call on Congress to pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (S. 4102). If passed, this bipartisan legislation would raise the resource limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples to be annually adjusted for inflation. This would be a significant step forward in helping those held captive by poverty. Please contact your senators today!