NCSA Letter Supporting the SSI Restoration Act (H.R. 4280) — September 2019

Letter | September 27, 2019

To: Representative Elissa Slotkin and Representative Raul Grijalva

Re: NCSA Support for the Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act, H.R. 4280

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Representative Elissa Slotkin
1531 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515

Representative Raul Grijalva
1511 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515

September 27, 2019

Re: NCSA Support for Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act, H.R. 4280

Dear Representatives Slotkin and Grijalva,

The National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA) is writing to express its support for the Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act, or H.R. 4280.

America is seeing a rapidly rising population of adults disabled by severe forms of autism. The vast majority of these young individuals suffer significant functional limitations that prevent them from caring for themselves or earning a living. For the most part, they must depend on Supplemental Security Income, in addition to other forms of public and private assistance, to meet basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, and care. It is urgent that this vulnerable population not be penalized for receiving necessary financial, food and housing assistance from family members or charity. In addition, we must rid the system of a hair-trigger penalty for exceeding $2,000 in assets. Raising SSI's asset limit to $10,000 and increasing the amount of disregarded income that beneficiaries can take in each month will help mitigate the omnipresent fear of benefit denial due to exceeding the outdated limits. The $2,000 limit makes it nearly impossible to save for ordinary expenses like property taxes, a plumbing upgrade, or dental work. The NCSA advocates for the needs of individuals and families affected by severe forms of autism. We are grateful for your proposal of a common-sense adjustment that is more aligned with the realities of our population. I may be reached at jill.escher@gmail.com should you have any questions. Thank you for your leadership. Very truly yours,

Jill Escher
President