1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

This bill aims to update and modernize the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to better support people with disabilities and low-income seniors. Some key provisions would substantially increase the income limits, asset limits, and monthly benefit amounts for SSI recipients. The bill recognizes that the current rules make it very difficult for beneficiaries to accumulate any savings or climb out of poverty. Allowing SSI recipients to save more and earn more income without losing benefits would provide greater financial stability and independence. Raising the resource limits to $20,000 for individuals and $10,000 for couples, coupled with excluding tax-advantaged retirement accounts from counting as resources, gives beneficiaries a path to build modest savings. Increasing the general income exclusion to $1,797 and the earned income exclusion to $5,839 per year provides more incentive to work. Modernizing SSI rules to reduce barriers to saving and financial security is crucial for enabling people with disabilities to live with dignity. The current program parameters trap many in poverty by severely limiting their ability to improve their economic situation through work or savings. Reforming these antiquated rules is an important step toward empowering SSI beneficiaries.