Because of a quirk in the calendar, people receiving Supplemental Security Income will receive two payments in September, but none in October. The average monthly benefit is  $624 per month, but many people feel it isn't enough. Many beneficiaries still struggle financially. Lawmakers are calling for reform of the program. SSI beneficiaries are currently subject to a $2,000 asset cap for individuals and $3,000 for couples. New legislation would allow the limit to be adjusted more frequently. Beneficiaries also have a limit on how much income they can earn from employment without the benefit being reduced or lost completely. Legislators are working on bills that would change this as well. 

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A new study found that representation among adults who have Autism and development disabilities is growing. More advocacy groups are monitoring and mentoring adults who have Autism. The study also found that more portrayals of adults with disabilities are being found in the media. It found a fourfold the increase in the use of photos of adults with autism on advocacy group websites since 2011. 

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Disability advocates continue to advocate for wheelchair accessible vehicles to be available in ride share companies such as Uber and Lyft. This has been an ongoing battle for years. Advocates have filed multiple lawsuits over this. Ride share companies argue that they're not required to follow regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act because they're a technology company, not a transportation business. 

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For many people with disabilities, marriage is a tricky topic. Those who receive Social Security benefits often have to make the tough decision to not get legally married because they would lose their benefits they rely on. Generally, the rule is if someone marries a person who doesn't receive benefits, you lose your benefits. If both people receive benefits, the amount is significantly decreased. Disability advocates continue to talk with legislators in hopes to make changes happen. 

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Many voters with disabilities are sighing a sigh of relief as a federal judge signaled that he would allow voters with disabilities to receive assistance returning their ballot in the November election despite a Supreme Court ruling that put doubt on such assistance and state law suggesting it's not allowed. It is expected that he will issue an order soon. 

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The U.S. Access Board seeks an Accessibility Specialist to serve in its Office of Technical and Information Services. This Accessibility Specialist will be responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to the public on design requirements for accessible buildings and facilities and medical diagnostic equipment. They will also participate in Board rulemaking to update or supplement these requirements. Although not required, fluency in Spanish is highly desirable for this position.

Current or former federal employees who qualify as status candidates, candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, the Career Transition Assistance Plan, or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan, and candidates eligible for special hiring authorities (e.g., Schedule A appointment for persons with disabilities) or who are eligible for Veterans' Recruitment Appointment, should respond to Vacancy Announcement #22-AB-7-MP. Candidates who are U.S Citizens or U.S. Nationals with no prior federal experience should respond to Vacancy Announcement #22-AB-8-P.

Applications are due September 12, 2022.

For further information, contact the Applicant Call Center at 1-304-480-7300 or by email at accessboardinquiries@fiscal.treasury.gov.

American Rescue Plan Act funds to help improve services for people in Wisconsin's long-term care programs. Providers whose work supports people in Wisconsin’s HCBS programs can apply. First round of applications are due September 12th And a second round will be due in February. 

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