Dexter, Carey Introduce Legislation to Bolster Financial Freedom for Seniors and People with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15) introduced the Modernize SSI Stipends Act to double-and update over time-the Personal Needs Allowances (PNAs) certain seniors and people with disabilities receive through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

SSI PNA payments allow seniors and people with disabilities who have limited financial resources to afford basic items such as clothing, toiletries, or a birthday card for a family member. However, Congress has not updated SSI PNAs since 1987. Additionally, unlike other SSI beneficiaries, people who rely on PNAs do not receive cost-of-living adjustments. Taken together, this means the purchasing power of these payments has steadily declined over time.

"Our seniors and those with disabilities deserve to do more than just get by-they deserve to thrive. A concrete step toward creating this reality is increasing SSI PNAs to reflect today's real costs. This stipend hasn't been increased since 1987 and presently sits at a paltry thirty dollars a month," said Rep. Dexter. "Our most vulnerable deserve better, and I'm grateful for Congressman Carey's partnership to get them there."

"The Modernize SSI Stipends Act is a small but meaningful increase to the personal needs allowance for Social Security Income recipients who are also receiving care at a long-term facility," Rep. Carey said. "The personal needs allowance for this group was last set at $30 in 1987. This bill would double the amount of income that a recipient can retain to purchase essential needs, and it would index it for inflation so that the allowance amount can keep pace in future years, preserving the dignity and individuality of these beneficiaries."

Endorsing Organizations: AARP, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care, Justice in Aging, Long Term Care Community Coalition, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Medicare Rights Center, and Center for Medicare Advocacy

The text of the bill can be found here.A one page factsheet can be found here.

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