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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

People with Disabilities Priced Out of Nation’s Housing Market

Source: Technical Assistance Collaborative

According to a study released today by the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC), and the Consortium for Citizens (CCD) with Disabilities Housing Task Force, the national average rent for a modestly priced one-bedroom apartment is more than the entire Supplemental Security Income (SSI) of a person with a disability. Priced Out in 2014 reveals that people with disabilities receiving SSI needed to pay 104 percent of their monthly income to rent a modest one-bedroom unit at the published fair market rent.

“From Bethel, Alaska to Boston, Massachusetts, to Tallahassee, Florida, we have an affordable housing crisis in our nation’s local communities, and it is particularly acute for people with disabilities on SSI. The effect is incontrovertible – too many people with disabilities on SSI are homeless or live in segregated settings,” stated Kevin Martone, TAC Executive Director. He added, “The human toll is inexcusable and the economic argument to address affordable housing is compelling.”