ACTION ALERT: Dignity Via Security
People living with psychiatric disabilities often rely completely on federal, state, and local government benefits to live and meet their expenses. Unfortunately, when taking these benefits together, they fall way short of people’s need.
What are the needs?
- Income above the federal poverty line
- Adequate and affordable independent housing
- Full mental health care coverage, including available community hospitalization
- Access to quality mental health and casework services
- Psychiatric rehabilitation counseling
- Vocational rehabilitation programs for the work-bound
- Quality prescription medication
Additionally, the United States is legally responsible to follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human rights for the mentally ill affect civil, political, legal, social, and economic rights. Among other areas, these touch issues of poverty, health, disability, social security, housing, and stigma and discrimination.
What are you asking of Congress?
- Double the benefit amount of the Supplemental Security Income level to lift mentally disabled persons out of poverty.
- Ensure that the federal budget each year fully funds all housing support programs.
You may phone the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224–3121 to be directed connected with a House member or senator in Congress in Washington, D.C. Identify all of your members of Congress and find their contact information at https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/.

