By: VHFA

April 14, 2009

A new report shows people with disabilities who rely on Supplemental Social Security (SSI) income are hard-pressed to afford even simple one-bedroom or studio apartments.

The Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Housing Task Force publishes its "Priced Out" report every other year.

Its most recent edition, published yesterday, shows Vermont's average rent for a modest one-bedroom apartment is more — nearly 108 percent — than the entire monthly income for someone with disabilities living on SSI.

The national average rent for a one-bedroom unit climbed to $749 a month in 2008 — higher than $667, the average monthly income of over 4 million people with disabilities.

Download a PDF copy of "Priced Out in 2008" or read their recent press release.

TAC is a national non-profit organization working on behalf of people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and people with other special needs by providing information, capacity building, and technical expertise to organizations and policymakers in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, human services, and affordable housing.

CCD is a coalition of national consumer, advocacy, provider and professional organizations headquartered in Washington, D.C. Since 1973, CCD has advocated on behalf of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities and their families.