Disability Bills in Congress:
How They Could Change Your Monthly Disability Check
Right now, Congress is looking at two important new laws that could help people with disabilities. These laws are called the Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act and the Disability Employment Incentive Act. If they pass, they could make life better for millions of people with disabilities by giving more money and helping people find jobs.
Let’s learn about these bills and why they matter.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act (S. 2065 / H.R. 3763)
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program helps people with disabilities who have low incomes. But it hasn’t changed much in many years with inflation and rising cost of living, and it has failed to keep disabled individuals out of poverty. This new law wants to fix that and help more people stay out of poverty.
Here’s what the new law could do:
1.
Raise the monthly benefits:
Right now, people can get $794 per month. This new law could raise it to match the poverty level, so people can have enough money to live on.
2.
Increase the asset limit:
Right now, you can only have up to $2,000 in savings (or $3,000 if you’re married). This law would let you keep up to $10,000 (or $20,000 for married couples).
3.
Increase earnings limits:
You’d be allowed to earn up to $399 a month from working and $123 from other income without losing benefits.
4.
End the “marriage penalty”:
This means married couples would get more money and not have their benefits cut just because they’re married.
5.
Stop benefit cuts from family help:
If your friends or family help you, it wouldn’t cause your benefits to go down anymore.
While this law doesn’t fix everything, it’s a big step forward.
This law is supported by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). To know more, read here.
Disability Employment Incentive Act (S. 630 / H.R. 3765)
The Disability Employment Incentive Act is a new law that wants to help people with disabilities get jobs and keep them. It does this by giving businesses more money in tax breaks when they hire and support workers with disabilities. The goal is to make sure people with disabilities can find good jobs and work in places that are more accessible to them.
Here’s how the law would help:
1.
Bigger tax credits for hiring disabled workers:
Right now, businesses can get up to $2,400 in tax breaks for hiring someone with a disability. This law would raise that to $5,000. If the worker stays for a second year, the business could get another $2,500.
2.
More help for small businesses:
Small businesses could get up to $10,000 (instead of $5,000) to make their workplaces more accessible for people with disabilities.
3.
Help for making buildings and transportation more accessible:
Businesses could get up to $30,000 (instead of $15,000) to make things like their buildings or vehicles easier for people with disabilities to use.
If this law passes, it would help more people with disabilities find and keep jobs, making it easier for them to be part of the workforce.
This law is supported by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). To know more, read here.
Why These Bills Matter
These two laws could make big changes for people with disabilities. The Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act would help people who rely on disability benefits by giving them more money to live on, while the Disability Employment Incentive Act would make it easier for people with disabilities to find jobs and work in places that are more accessible.
Together, these changes could help people with disabilities live with more security and dignity.
What You Can Do
If you think these laws are important, you can ask your local government leaders to support them. In California, Congressman Ted Lieu has been talking about these bills and how they could help.
Recently, our Chief Strategy Officer, Mary Ann Walker, and our president, T.C. Walker-Dupler, from Casa de la Justicia, had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Lieu to emphasize the importance of passing these bills.
Conclusion
These bills represent an important moment in the fight for disability rights. As Congress moves closer to a vote, it is crucial to raise awareness about the potential benefits these bills could bring to millions of disabled Americans. Staying informed and advocating for such legislation is key to ensuring that these changes come to fruition. The future of disability rights depends on active engagement from everyone, and these bills offer hope for a more supportive and inclusive system.
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