Resolution Urging Congress to End the SSI Savings and Marriage Penalties

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is meant to help older adults and people with disabilities meet their basic needs. But right now, the rules punish people instead of protecting them.

People who rely on SSI cannot save more than $2,000 as individuals or $3,000 as couples, limits that have not been updated since 1989. These outdated rules penalize people for doing the responsible thing, putting aside a small amount of money for emergencies, medical needs, or unexpected expenses.

The rules also create a marriage penalty. Many people on SSI are discouraged from getting married because combining finances can cause them to lose benefits entirely. No one should have to choose between financial security and the person they love.

No one should have to choose between financial stability and keeping the benefits they depend on to survive.

That is why we are introducing a resolution urging Congress to pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (H.R. 2540). This bipartisan legislation would modernize SSI by raising the savings limits to $10,000 for an individual and $20,000 for a couple, allowing older adults and people with disabilities to save modestly and form families without fear of losing critical support.

This is about basic fairness and dignity. People should not be forced to stay poor or unmarried just to stay eligible for help.

The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act is supported by a broad coalition, including the United States Chamber of Commerce, AARP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Autism Society of America, the National Down Syndrome Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

We urge our colleagues to join us in standing up for affordability, fairness, and the freedom to live with dignity by calling on Congress to pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act. Previously introduced in the 2023-2024 session as HR515