Social Security Finally Updates SSI Rules After 30+ Years

The Social Security Administration is finally dragging its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program into the 21st century. These Social Security rules have been collecting more dust than my grandmother’s china cabinet, and the changes couldn’t come soon enough for millions of beneficiaries.

For those not in the know, SSI provides financial support to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. The program’s eligibility requirements have been operating under rules so ancient they practically came inscribed on stone tablets.

The Documentary That Spilled the Beans

A recent documentary called “The Disability Trap” has been making waves by exposing just how ridiculously outdated these Social Security SSI rules are. Picture this:

• The resource limit for SSI recipients has been stuck at $2,000 for individuals
• Couples face a limit of $3,000 since—wait for it—1989!
• These limits haven’t seen a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in over three decades

The filmmaker, Reid Davenport, who happens to have cerebral palsy himself, didn’t hold back in showing how these prehistoric limits force people with disabilities to live in poverty. It’s like telling someone they can only have $2,000 in their bank account or else they lose their benefits. Talk about a financial diet more restrictive than my New Year’s resolution!

Changes Are Coming (Finally!)

After decades of playing financial freeze tag, the SSA is finally making some changes to Social Security benefits. Starting December 1, they’re updating how they count income and resources for SSI eligibility. First off, they’re no longer counting food as income. Imagine that! Previously, if someone gave you a sandwich, the government basically said, “That’ll be $5 off your benefits, please.” Absurd!

They’re also no longer reducing benefits when someone lives with others and shares expenses. Before this change, if you shared an apartment to save on rent (you know, like a financially responsible adult), the SSA would say, “How dare you be economical!” and cut your benefits.

More Updates on the Horizon

But wait, there’s more! The Social Security Administration is also planning to increase those fossil-like resource limits. Soon, recipients will be able to have—drumroll, please—a whole $8,000 to their name without losing benefits! I know, try not to spend it all in one place.

These changes are part of broader Social Security legislation efforts to modernize the program and reduce administrative burdens. For decades, there has been Congressional interest in updating SSI asset limits. Because nothing says “fun” like filling out government paperwork, am I right?

In all seriousness though, these updates are a big deal for the approximately 7.5 million Americans with disabilities who depend on SSI. While there’s still a long way to go to improve Social Security benefits, at least the SSA is finally acknowledging that the 80s are over—in more ways than just fashion.