What ACFs Can Do Today to Advocate for an Increase in SSI

As you know, LeadingAge New York has been working to get an increase in the state portion of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI rate) for Adult Care Facilities (Congregate Care Level 3), along with an increase in the personal needs allowance (PNA) for residents. We have been working on various advocacy activities throughout the year, and are now asking members to send a letter today to the Governor and your representatives.

We’ve developed two letters, one for you and your staff to send, and one for residents and families.  Our advocacy tool allows you to personalize or tailor the message if you would like; so you can share what this issue means for your community and your residents. It is very simple to send a letter, and takes only a few minutes to send. Anyone can use our advocacy tool to send letters, so please send the links below to anyone you think cares about this issue.

• Click here for a letter that you and your staff can send.
• Click here for a letter that residents, families, and others who care about your organization can send.

The SSI rate is clearly inadequate, and the gap between the rate and actual costs grows each year. We are particularly concerned given pressure to increase wages and the recent news that there will be no cost of living adjustment to the federal portion of the SSI benefit this year. The need for an increase is going to be even greater in the year ahead. It is imperative that our message is heard now as budget proposals are being developed, so please do this TODAY.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828