- Costs of living are skyrocketing, but benefits for disabled people and older adults who are struggling financially haven’t been updated since 1974.
- The Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2021, which attempts to update this much-needed program, is sponsored by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren.
- The current maximum benefit payment of $794 per month keeps recipients far below the federal poverty line of $12,880 per year and is in desperate need of an update.
Rachel Murphy from Very Well Health writes:
“Key Takeaways
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial support to individuals with disabilities or older adults that lack resources.
- But the program hasn’t been updated since its inception in 1974.
- New legislation advocates for increasing monthly payments, along with other changes, to lift recipients out from under the federal poverty level.
Costs of living are skyrocketing all over the nation. But benefits for disabled people and older adults who are struggling financially aren’t.
For people with disabilities or those who have experienced factors affecting their ability to work, Social Security benefits may never kick in. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is intended to fill in the gaps.
Founded in 1972 under the Nixon administration, the program is meant to provide basic income adequate for the cost of living. Unfortunately, the amount it pays out hasn’t changed since its inception, and strict qualification guidelines leave many of its recipients in poverty…”
See full story here.
Categories: Government, WTF?
Economic Left 
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