Who Would Gain from Updating SSI? A Mixed-Methods Investigation

Gal Wettstein, Boston College and Susan R. Crandall, UMass Boston

SSI targets the most vulnerable Americans, but the income and asset limits have not been updated in decades, making it harder to qualify over time. Also, although SSI benefits are indexed to inflation, the maximum benefit is less than the poverty line. Updating SSI could be an important policy lever to increase economic security; boost labor force participation; lower poverty rates among older adults, disadvantaged communities, and those with disabilities; and reduce reliance on Social Security’s special minimum benefit.