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The SSI savings penalty elimination bill 8/13/2026 10:01:45 PM
Below are a couple of templates for letters you can use to write your state senators and representatives about the importance of passing the SSI savings penalty elimination bill into law. Just replace the details that are personal to me with your own experiences and details and e-mail to your state representatives. The same better examples will be included in January 2027 Icarus' Voice newsletter. Subject: The Urgent Need to Modernize SSI Asset Limits
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a long‑time SSI recipient living in Bend, Oregon, who has spent decades navigating the limitations of the current SSI asset rules. I want to highlight the human impact of these outdated policies and urge you to support legislation that raises the SSI asset limit to a realistic level.
The current $2,000 limit, unchanged since 1989, forces disabled people into permanent financial insecurity. It prevents us from saving for emergencies, medical needs, housing stability, or basic independence. It also creates a climate of fear: people are afraid to earn small amounts, afraid to save, afraid to enter contests, and afraid to make normal life decisions because they worry about losing their benefits.
I have personally witnessed this fear throughout the disability community. I have seen people decline opportunities, avoid relationships, and shut down conversations about money because they believe any financial progress will be punished. I have been asked whether I can financially support others simply because I am an author, and I have seen people terrified that even a small writing prize could trigger a review. These are not hypothetical concerns. They are daily realities.
Raising the asset limit to $10,000 or $20,000 would give disabled people the ability to breathe. It would reduce crisis spending, reduce emergency Medicaid usage, and allow people to stabilize their lives. It would also allow disabled voters to participate more fully in society without fear.
I urge you to support legislation that modernizes SSI asset limits. The cost of reform is far outweighed by the long‑term benefits to individuals, families, and the public.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, Tascha Bend, Oregon
Letter Tailored to the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
Subject: Support for the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
Dear Senator/Representative,
I am writing from Bend, Oregon to urge you to support the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act. As someone who has lived under SSI’s asset limits for decades, I want to share the real‑world consequences of these outdated rules and why reform is urgently needed.
The current asset limit of $2,000 has not changed since 1989. In that time, the cost of living has increased dramatically, yet disabled people are still expected to survive with virtually no savings. This forces us into a constant state of fear: fear of earning, fear of saving, fear of entering contests, fear of losing Medicaid, and fear of losing the stability we rely on.
I have seen this fear firsthand. People on SSI often avoid opportunities because they worry that even a small amount of income will jeopardize their benefits. I have been asked whether I can financially support others simply because I am an author, and I have seen people terrified that a writing prize or contest entry could trigger a review. These are not hypothetical concerns. They are daily realities for millions of disabled Americans.
Raising the asset limit to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples would allow people to save for emergencies, medical needs, and basic stability. It would reduce crisis spending and allow disabled people to participate more fully in society. It would also bring SSI into alignment with modern economic realities.
I respectfully ask you to support this bill and help bring dignity, stability, and financial security to disabled Americans.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Tascha Bend, Oregon
