1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor and support the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, introduced as S.1234 in the Senate and H.R. 2540 in the House. This legislation addresses a critical flaw in the Supplemental Security Income program that traps disabled individuals and older adults in poverty by ignoring their lived experiences. Current SSI rules limit recipients to just $2,000 in assets for individuals or $3,000 for married couples before they lose benefits. These limits have not been updated since 1989, despite decades of inflation. In practical terms, this means disabled people in most cities cannot save enough to cover a rental deposit, first month's rent, or maintain consistent access to healthy food. The restrictions effectively prevent SSI recipients from working even part-time, building any financial security, or surviving even the most modest of health or life emergencies intact. The consequences extend beyond finances. Most disabled individuals qualify for Medicaid through SSI eligibility, and losing SSI means losing access to Home and Community-Based Services that provide essential personal care supports. No other health insurance in the United States covers HCBS, making the $2,000 threshold a matter of basic survival and healthcare access. The marriage penalty is particularly cruel, forcing couples to choose between legal recognition of their relationship and maintaining the benefits they need to live. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act would raise asset limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples, then index these amounts to inflation. This modest update would allow disabled constituents to save for emergencies, work part-time without immediately losing benefits, secure stable housing, and make personal choices like marriage without risking financial hardship. I ask that you co-sponsor this legislation and work to ensure its passage. Disabled and older adult constituents should not be penalized for saving money, working, or getting married. This bill represents a common-sense update that recognizes the economic realities of 2026, not 1989.