What if you had to choose between paying your rent and marrying your significant other? People with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are faced with this decision every day. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act raises asset limits for SSI recipients and couples. This proposal, while simple, could have a significant impact on SSI recipients and their families.
Individuals who receive SSI are each allowed to have $2,000 in assets (such as cash, stocks, and vehicles), but married couples are only allowed to have $3,000 in assets between the two spouses. The asset limit is less for couples than it would be if the two people chose not to marry. Furthermore, second cars (which most people take for granted) can easily put a married couple over the asset threshold. This policy results in many couples choosing to remain unmarried or even for married couples to get divorced in order to be allowed to own a second car or to save an additional $1,000 a month.
The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act partially addresses these issues by proposing that asset limits to qualify for SSI be raised from $2,000 to $10,000 for individuals, and from $3,000 to $20,000 for couples. This will be the first time that SSI asset limits have been raised since 1989 and aligns with projected inflation-adjusted asset limits.
It’s important to note that while this bill tackles a crucial financial problem, it doesn’t completely solve all the issues faced by people with disabilities and other SSI recipients. If they receive other government benefits like Medicaid, they may still face a marriage penalty. However, this bill is a significant step towards helping numerous couples save for their future and access the social and economic advantages that come with marriage.
How You Can Get Involved
Tell your representative that you support the asset limit increases proposed by the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act as a step towards economic security and marriage equality for SSI recipients.
If you are unsure about what to say, here is a sample script you can use during your call:
“Hi, my name is______. I’m calling from___________. I am urging Congressman/Congresswoman__________ to support passage of the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act because raising asset limits will help address financial barriers that keep SSI recipients from getting married, pursuing careers, and other goals. Currently, individuals on SSI are allowed to have $2,000 in assets, but married couples are only allowed to have $3,000 between the spouses. This is a huge barrier to marriage and even a cause for divorce among SSI recipients who would have otherwise remained married. I hope the Congressman/Congresswoman will support this bill.”
Find the name and contact information for your Member of Congress online. Or you can call the US Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
