Congress is strongly considering devastating cuts to all of these programs. Proposed cuts to the TANF program would affect 700,000 low-income families, including 1.3 million children, and may entirely eliminate assistance to many families facing physical or mental health challenges. Similarly, WIC and SNAP cuts and restructuring would affect low-income individuals, many of whom have mental illnesses or disabilities. (Also see Children's SSI Disability Benefits Threatened.)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program that provides income supplements to individuals who are unable to work because of a notable disability. Disability here refers to any impairment that can be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months and/or result in death, and which results in an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity. Eligibility is tied to a worker’s Social Security payroll contributions.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income support program that provides cash assistance to meet basic needs for low-income individuals who have a physical or mental disability. The definition of disability for SSI eligibility is the same as for SSDI eligibility. Both SSI and SSDI are vital resources for many people with mental illnesses.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC); and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly "food stamps") are federal programs that enable states to offer financial assistance, nutritional support, and work opportunities for low-income families. These programs are a crucial resource for low-income Americans dealing with mental illnesses and disabilities, as low-income families are significantly more likely to struggle with mental disorders, and people with serious mental illnesses are more likely to have inconsistent work histories.
Resources:
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law:
Children's SSI Disability Benefits Thre atened
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities:
Consortium on Citizens with Disabilities:
Social Security Fact Sheet: A Checklist— Effect Of Proposed Changes On People With Disabilities & Their Families