One of the biggest changes to SSI benefits in decades is about to take place. Thanks to legislation passed by Congress this week, many recipients of SSI will be able to put money in savings without penalty.
Government assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are only available to people with less than $2,000 in saved assets. This often has the effect of encouraging unemployment or underemployment since recipients are afraid of losing their benefits. The Able Act lifts this requirement for most, as long as the disability occurred before age 26. In other words, those who were born legally blind or became legally blind before they turn 26 will be eligible. In essence, a new type of bank account will be available where the disabled person or a caregiver can deposit money for a variety of expenses including housing and transportation. It theoretically would also allow for a blind or visually impaired person to save up for more expensive assistive technology items without penalty. Currently, this is only possible using a special program which requires a lot of paperwork and time. Assuming the President signs the bill which is likely, rules will need to be created for the new accounts before they can be created, so this won't be available tomorrow. But the new law has the potential to allow for more employment by the disabled without fear of losing their benefits. Check the link from the National Disability Institute gives many more details.
Source: National Disability InstituteCategory: News
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
