Danny, Texas

Hello. My name is Danny. I spent 5 years on SSI. I got it when I was 19 and was lucky enough to have my parents do the application process for me. Because I couldn't live independently on so little money I stayed with an abusive partner for 2 years before it became clear I had to leave or my next suicide attempt would be successful. I went back to live with my dad, but his girlfriend was no better than my ex and I couch surfed with friends who helped me with food and expenses. Before finally getting student housing with 3 roommates in shared rooms. 

Multiple times in this process I had less than $20 a month for food after rent when living in the cheapest housing available to me. I relapsed in anorexia because I literally couldn't afford my own food and was too scared to rely on anyone else after being abused by people I depended on. 

When paying the cheapest rent in my zip code, I had $14 a month to pay for food and the social security administration official told me to find somewhere cheaper to live. 

SSI is enforced sub-poverty for disabled people. It isn't enough for rent and food, let alone all the other expenses necessary for survival which for disabled people can include anything from special diets, to measures against allergens, to medical expenses. It opens up a population already at particular risk for abuse and neglect to abusive situations and absolute dependence on those who abuse them. It's unethical, untenable, dangerous, and we cannot continue to treat our most vulnerable citizens like this. Disabled people deserve to live, and right now we continue to survive in spite of the SSI system more than we do because of it.