Many people with disabilities use Social Security to help pay for basic needs. This includes SSI and SSDI. These programs are meant to help people live safe and healthy lives. But old Social Security rules can make life harder instead of easier. This week, we talk with our friend Logan about why these rules need to change. We talk about how fixing them can help people with disabilities live full lives.

Old Social Security Rules: Marriage Penalty

Logan tells us there are two big rules that affect people with disabilities. One is the marriage penalty. If you get married and you get SSI or SSDI, your spouse’s money and assets can count against you. Assets include things like cars and houses. That can mean you lose your benefits.

Logan points out that it’s not fair for people with disabilities to be blocked from getting married. Marriage is good for your mental health. You have someone to talk to. You have someone to help you through hard times. When people are healthier and less stressed, health care costs go down for everyone. 

Ending the marriage penalty would also lift many people out of poverty. When people can save and work, they can build better lives. Fewer people in poverty is better for everyone.

Old Social Security Rules: Asset Cap

The other rule Logan told us about is the asset cap. A person getting SSI or SSDI cannot have more than $2,000 in savings or property they own. That includes money, cars, land, or a home.

There is one small exception. An ABLE account lets you save up to $100,000, but it is only cash. You cannot use it to own a home or land. You can also only add about $20,000 each year.

Logan said, “I’ve always wanted to move out of my parents’ house, build my life as it is here but in my own place. But it will take money, land, and time. And these caps make that impossible.” Logan said it feels like you are trying to climb, but Social Security keeps pulling you down. Logan and people like him just want the chance to keep climbing.

Moving Forward

These rules are very old. For example, the asset cap hasn’t changed in over 30 years! The rules don’t match the real cost of living today. Logan says that the system is not broken. It just needs to be updated. We need rules that match real life, like the true cost of rent, food, and care.

Many people want to change these rules. But the problem can feel too big and confusing. It is hard to fight on your own. Groups like The Arc of the United States are doing a lot of work. They are pushing for new laws to raise or end the savings limit and to remove these unfair penalties.

There are also new bills in Congress that would help people with disabilities have more money, more freedom, and more choice. We can work together to support these changes.

Want to Learn More?

Everyone deserves a chance to build a good life. People with disabilities want the same things as everyone else. We can end unfair caps and penalties. That makes room for hope, choice, and real freedom.