SSI Modernization
WHEREAS:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly income to the low-income blind, disabled and elderly; and
WHEREAS:
The highest monthly Federal SSI check is only $407 for an individual and $610 for a couple, with only four states providing supplements large enough to bring benefits up to the poverty level; and
WHEREAS:
SSI recipients can qualify for assistance only if assets fall below $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, plus $1,500 for burial expenses; and
WHEREAS:
Even when a person has income and assets so low as to qualify for SSI, many states have restrictions that deny an SSI recipient access to Medicaid — usually leaving the recipient without adequate health care coverage; and
WHEREAS:
After many years of only minimal change in the SSI program, the Commissioner of Social Security appointed an SSI Modernization Panel, whose mandate is to recommend ways to improve SSI; and
WHEREAS:
The SSI Modernization Panel is making its recommendations to Congress, which has the power to enact improvements in SSI that will raise the standard-of-living for thousands of elderly, blind and disabled people.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the AFSCME International Convention urge Congress to enact the following improvements:
- A raise in the ceiling for monthly SSI benefits so that they exceed the poverty line.
- An increase in the qualifying assets ceiling under SSI which currently is an amount insufficient to meet home or health care emergencies.
- Automatic coverage under Medicaid for all those qualifying for SSI benefits.
SUBMITTED BY:
Arthur Tibaldi, President
Loretta Werner, Secretary
AFSCME Local 1407, Council 37
New York, New York
