CW: Poverty
The relationship between politics and disability is one that’s often strained, misunderstood, and fraught with miscommunication. In a recent article from The DC Journal, Mia Ives-Rublee discusses the unfortunate truth: politicians just don’t understand disability. And, frankly, they don’t understand disability in a way that makes it an issue they are genuinely invested in fixing.
As someone who lives with cerebral palsy and has received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for nine years, this hit home in a way that few political articles do. It’s not just an abstract issue; it’s my reality. It’s a reality for millions of disabled people who are often left out of the conversation or dismissed entirely by lawmakers.
Disability is, unfortunately, not a priority for many politicians. In her article, Ives-Rublee notes that politicians can be quick to tout their support for equality and inclusivity. However, when it comes down to actual policy, especially on issues that directly affect disabled people, the conversation often stalls.
The disconnect stems from a lack of understanding, awareness, and sometimes sheer apathy. Politicians may make grand statements about supporting “vulnerable communities” or “disadvantaged groups,” but these promises often fall flat when it comes to policy decisions that would benefit disabled people.
Programs like SSI, which provide crucial financial support for those who cannot work due to a disability, are often underfunded, poorly designed, and left out of larger social safety net discussions. For example, the asset limit for SSI beneficiaries is just $2,000. It hasn’t kept up with the pace of inflation, because it was last updated in 1989. Accounting for inflation, the asset limit would be approximately $10,000 today.
When you live with a disability, the struggles aren’t just physical; they’re systemic. My reality involves navigating a world that wasn’t built for me. Access to public spaces, educational opportunities, and even employment is harder. But it’s not just about the physical barriers.
SSI is a lifeline for people like me who can’t participate in the workforce in the same way that non-disabled people can. SSI isn’t a luxury. It’s not a handout. It helps keep a roof over my head. However, SSI is severely limited in its capacity to meet the needs of disabled people.
SSI doesn’t cover all of my monthly expenses. The average monthly benefit is just $674, which is far below the federal poverty threshold of $1,255 per month. While politicians debate tax cuts or military spending, disabled people like me are left wondering how we’ll make ends meet.
Ives-Rublee’s article highlights how disabled people face an uphill battle because of the limited assistance they receive. While some people assume that SSI is an ample safety net, the reality is far more complex. SSI benefits are fixed and low, not enough to fully cover rent, medical supplies, and other basic needs.
And yet, many people who qualify for SSI are unable to increase their earnings through employment without risking a loss of benefits. This creates a catch-22 where you can’t make more money. However, you can barely survive on the little you’re given.
This lack of financial security doesn’t just affect your quality of life; it often limits opportunities for independence. The stigma attached to disability benefits is also a cruel reminder of how society views disabled people. There’s a pervasive myth that people who receive SSI are “lazy” or “unwilling to work,” but the truth is, for many, work isn’t an option.
The lack of understanding among politicians about disability stems from a fundamental disconnect. The people who create policy often don’t have firsthand experience with the issues they legislate. They don’t understand what it’s like to depend on a system that was created without us in mind, or to navigate a world where the barriers are more than just physical.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about “feeling sorry” for disabled people. It’s about fairness. It’s about creating systems that work for all people, regardless of their physical or mental abilities. Disability should be a priority because it’s not just a minority issue. It’s an issue that can affect anyone at any time.
I know that the road ahead is long and challenging. But I also know that it’s worth the fight. Politicians need to understand that disability is not just a philanthropy issue. It’s a human rights issue. Until we see real action, disabled people will continue to be underrepresented, underfunded, and unheard. We deserve more, and we need more. It is past time for politicians to realize that.
Sources:
Hickey, Sebastian Martinez, and Isamel Cid-Martinez. “The Federal Minimum Wage Is Officially a Poverty Wage in 2025.” Economic Policy Institute, Economic Policy Institute, 28 Apr. 2025, http://www.epi.org/blog/the-federal-minimum-wage-is-officially-a-poverty-wage-in-2025/.
Ives-Rublee, Mia. “Politicians Don’t Understand Disability.” DC Journal, InsideSources, 5 Aug. 2025, dcjournal.com/politicians-dont-understand-disability/.
Romig , Kathleen, et al. “The Case for Updating SSI Asset Limits.” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 25, July 2023, http://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/the-case-for-updating-ssi-asset-limits?fbclid=IwAR0wZj-zM_VqbPoQ4RV3WZUbOBCKVbnxXlV9lJeWo4GLEVAx2EomA5klzoo_aem_AfEqv7yxyHvw-DLrwMkFZ4LovFDDWokEDXSN5qdX6LwdCd85JZbF0gQkswCdVv1LpVA.