From the JPMorgan Chase Policy Center: “Enhancing Economic Opportunity and Mobility for People with Disabilities through Asset and Income Limit Reforms”

I’d like to share some exciting news from my employer that reflects something I’ve been advocating for since I joined the firm.

The JPMorgan Chase Policy Center recently released a policy brief — “Enhancing Economic Opportunity and Mobility for People with Disabilities through Asset and Income Limit Reforms” — that examines how current asset and income limits on federal benefits for people with disabilities create barriers to labor force participation and accumulating savings.

The Policy Center proposes updating and simplifying the asset and income limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to expand economic opportunity and mobility for people with disabilities. 

From my perspective, these antiquated limits not only inhibit our firm’s ability to recruit and benefit from talent within this community, but they also hamper employers’ efforts as a whole to advance diversity and inclusion while investing in their communities.

Simply put, income limits imposed for government benefits eligibility — without regular, systematic review — strain families’ economic mobility. Systemic barriers created by these outdated asset and income limitations further widen the economic wealth divide.

Reforming and improving our social safety net programs can improve labor force participation. I strongly encourage you to give this policy brief a read and join us in advocating for a reformed SSI program that would help enable more individuals with disabilities to gainfully work and earn a living without fear of losing their benefits.

This is a game changer for the disability community if we can get this done. Please write to your local political leaders in your state and national U.S. representatives. 

Thank you!

                                                                      ###