Government Relations

Social Security card and money
Government Relations

Policy Review of the New SSI Rule: “Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented a rule that will eliminate food from the In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations when determining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and payment amounts. Effective September 30, 2024, this change is designed to make the SSI process less burdensome for beneficiaries and the SSA itself.

Read More »
HUD logo
Government Relations

Recent policy updates from the HUD and the VA

The recent policy updates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) mark a significant step forward in helping veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness, find stable housing. These changes are designed to address the specific challenges veterans face when trying to access supportive housing and aim to make the system more inclusive and effective.

Read More »
woman in wheelchair with a laptop
Government Relations

Overcoming Challenges & Unlocking Opportunities for Work & SSDI Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two main programs that provide financial support to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs define disability as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically verifiable physical or mental impairment. If someone’s earnings exceed the SGA limit, their benefits are typically reduced or stopped.

Read More »
Weddign rings on a book
Government Relations

The “marriage penalty” within the SSI Program

The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides crucial monthly cash assistance to disabled and elderly people with limited income and resources. However, many recipients face a significant drawback: the program penalizes marriage by reducing or eliminating benefits if a couple’s combined assets exceed $3,000.

Read More »
Amir Ameli
Government Relations

Government Relations April 2024

I read this heartening piece recently and felt compelled to share it with you. While the journey toward inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in our digital world has faced its challenges, here at Envisioning Access, we’re fervently championing innovative solutions to ensure no one gets left behind in today’s digital era.

Read More »