An independent federal agency, the National Council on Disability, is urging lawmakers to address the outdated asset limits associated with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other government programs. The agency’s recent report highlights the longstanding issue of unchanged asset limits for benefit programs, creating obstacles for individuals with disabilities seeking independence.

Despite the rising cost of living over the decades, asset limits for government benefit programs have remained stagnant. This lack of adjustment adversely affects the ability of people with disabilities to pursue greater independence, as outlined in the National Council on Disability’s report. The council, tasked with providing guidance to the president and Congress on disability issues, underscores the necessity for policy adjustments.

Theo Braddy, a council member, noted that the failure to scale asset and income limits to inflation for 34 years has forced people with disabilities into increasing poverty to qualify for essential support and services. The current federal disability policies, according to Braddy, contradict the goal of helping individuals live independently and escape poverty.

The report, based on a systematic review of federal and select state policies and input from focus groups within the disability community, sheds light on the significant impact of asset limits on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Presently, individuals who receive SSI face a constraint of $2,000 in resources—a limit that remains unchanged despite shifting economic conditions.

Maintaining eligibility for SSI is often critical for accessing Medicaid, and the report highlights how marriage can affect an individual’s access to vital benefits. The National Council on Disability underscores that, although government programs play a crucial role in aiding individuals with disabilities, the existing system is impeding their advancement.

Andrés Gallegos, Chairman of the NCD, stresses the untenable catch-22 created by the current system, preventing people with disabilities from achieving economic self-sufficiency. The report recommends that Congress takes action by eliminating or modifying SSI income and asset limits, simplifying program rules, and addressing reporting requirements. The NCD additionally advocates for modifications to Medicaid and other affiliated programs.

Despite recent efforts by lawmakers to update SSI’s asset limits, legislative advancements have thus far faced challenges in moving forward.