New legislation introduced today will fundamentally alter how SSI benefits are administered to disabled Americans who want to get married. Sponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), the bill would seek to remove the financial disincentives that currently discourage recipients of SSI from getting married.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Supplemental Security Income program, run by the federal government, offers financial assistance to the aged, blind, and the disabled with limited income and resources. It is different from Social Security Disability Insurance in that it’s based on a person’s work history; this is need-based and is more of a safety net for those that qualify. This program has very strict limits placed upon income and assets, which tend to present major challenges for the recipients, especially in the arena of marital status.
Under existing law, when an SSI recipient marries, the income and assets of a spouse are factored into eligibility for SSI benefits. More often than not, this has the effect of reducing or terminating SSI payments altogether – effectively punishing those who choose to get married. Such rules have left many disabled Americans remaining single or living with partners without marrying out of fear of losing financial benefits.
How marriage affects SSI benefits
Under the current SSI structure, financial dynamics change radically for married couples. For example;
- Income considerations: When two SSI recipients get married, their combined benefits may actually decrease in value by up to 25 percent, compared with living together but not being married. This provides an incentive not to formalize relationships for couples relying on those benefits.
- Asset limits: The SSI asset limits have not changed since 1989. Current rules allow an individual to have up to $2,000 and a couple up to $3,000 in countable assets. Because of these extremely old limits, it is close to impossible for most disabled persons to save anything or create even a small financial cushion without losing benefits.
The proposed legislation attempts to rectify these injustices by allowing disabled individuals to marry without any fear of losing their vital supports
Key features of the proposed legislation
The new bill makes several significant changes, including:
- Elimination of financial penalties: the legislation would eliminate the marriage penalties against the SSI recipients, thereby allowing them to retain their benefits no matter what income or assets their spouse might have.
- Updated asset limits: There are also calls to update the asset limits to reflect today’s economic realities, so disabled individuals can save and invest without fear of losing their financial assistance.
- Bipartisan support: The bill has drawn attention from both sides of the aisle, a clear indication that there is growing realization of the need for reform in how disability benefits are administered concerning marital status.
Impact on disabled americans
If passed, this legislation would significantly improve the quality of life for millions of disabled Americans. Freedom to marry without penalty would provide opportunities to strengthen family units and to form support systems emotionally critical for mental health and well-being. The removal of the marriage penalty may mean that:
- More stability: No longer did couples have to choose between love and financial stability, as they could make stable households without the fear of losing vital income.
- Better financial planning: The increased asset limits would also enable people with disabilities to better plan for the future in that they were in a position to save without penalty.
- Empowerment: This bill empowers disabled Americans to exercise their right to marry and live fulfilling lives free from outmoded financial burdens.
The proposed bill is a very important step toward the long-run injustices done to people because of the SSI program. By allowing disabled Americans to marry without losing their benefits, lawmakers are recognizing the importance of personal relationships and family stability in the lives of people with disabilities.
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