Advocacy Alert! Support an Increase to SSI and PNA Rates for Low-income Seniors

Legislation (A.7393 (Brindisi)-S.5151 (Little)) was recently introduced that would increase the congregate care level 3 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rate for the aged, blind and disabled, and also increase personal allowance accounts for individuals receiving enhanced residential care. The legislation increases the current SSI rate by $5 per day, and $24 per month for the personal needs allowance. You may recall that LeadingAge NY, Hinman Straub and provider members worked to get an increase to the SSI rate in this year’s final State budget, but unfortunately, it was not included. The current SSI rate of approximately $41 per day is not adequate to pay for the services that adult care facilities must, by regulation, provide. Residents that receive SSI also deserve an increase in their personal needs allowance, so that they have adequate funds to last throughout the month. Please email your lawmakers today, urging them to co-sponsor and support this important legislation.

Contact: Alyssa Lovelace, alovelace@leadingageny.org or Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383