Support the ASSET Act
 

A new bill is being considered in the U.S. Senate, the Allowing Steady Savings by Eliminating Tests Act (ASSET Act). This law would increase the savings disabled people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can have. Please join Dance/NYC and contact your Senators to advocate for low income disabled artists, dance workers, and community members.

What does the ASSET Act do?
Around 7.5 million low income disabled people rely on SSI to pay their bills and support their lives. Currently, to receive SSI benefits, individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in savings, and couples cannot have more than $3,000. The ASSET Act would raise this amount to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples. It would also prevent states from limiting savings for recipients of other vital programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Why does this matter?
By severely limiting savings, current SSI standards keep low income disabled people poor by design. Without savings, SSI recipients remain vulnerable to housing, medical, family, and other emergencies. Moreover, they cannot save for personal financial goals like continuing education, homeownership, family planning, artistic projects, etc. For disabled dance workers—who, according to the State of NYC 2023 Dance Report, have 12% less in savings and are 24% more likely to face unemployment compared to their non-disabled counterparts—the ASSET Act is an important move towards financial empowerment, stability, and a more equitable future.
 

CONTACT YOUR SENATOR