State Supplements Slashed
March 1, 2009
Author: Catherine M. Callery (Kate)| Louise M. Tarantino
Ann Biddle, Esq., Paul M. Ryther, Esq.
In the January Disability Law News, we told you that New York State is proposing to reduce the state supple-ment payable to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients by $16 to $28. The cut is planned to go into effect June 1, 2009, unless the legislature takes some action or the Governor rescinds his proposal. To date we have heard neither.
Other states are also looking to reduce the state supplement “pot of gold” as a way to balance lopsided budgets. California has proposed to trim its state supplement to SSI recipients by $55 to $63. The state budget would also eliminate a regular cost of living adjustment (COLA) previously planned for the 2010 state supplement. If these proposed cuts in state supplements are enacted, the stimulus effect of any one-time payment to SSI recipients will largely be offset by lower ongoing benefit levels. (See article on page 6).
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