The 2025 Disability Banking Report: What Traditional Banks Still Get Wrong
- Purple
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Every year, millions of Americans with disabilities rely on direct deposits from programs like SSI, SSDI, or state-based benefits to survive. But most banks still haven’t caught up.
At Purple, we’ve spent years building a disability-first financial platform. We’ve also reviewed over 100+ SSA rules, worked with real rep payees, and talked with thousands of families trying to stay compliant while managing daily expenses.
What did we find?
In 2025, traditional banks are still failing the disability community—both in design and in compliance.
In this special report, we’ll cover:
Why most banks can’t handle rep payee or dedicated accounts
The hidden risks of mixing SSI with standard checking
Why early direct deposit matters more when you’re on benefits
How poor design leaves disabled customers behind
What disability-first banking really looks like
1. Most Banks Still Can’t Handle Rep Payee or Dedicated Accounts
SSA rules are clear:
Rep payee accounts must be titled to show that the funds belong to the beneficiary
Dedicated accounts (for backpay to minors) must be separate, interest-bearing, and restricted
But most national banks:
Don’t offer rep payee-compliant titling
Don’t support multiple accounts per beneficiary
Can’t explain SSA rules—or worse, give the wrong advice
This creates real risk: a mistitled account could trigger benefit suspensions, fraud allegations, or Medicaid interruptions.
2. SSI + Standard Checking = Trouble
If you receive SSI, you can’t have more than $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 as a couple) unless your money is held in an ABLE account or a properly structured trust.
Traditional banks:
Don’t flag when your balance is approaching the SSI asset limit
Don’t support ABLE integration
Don’t warn you about benefit-impacting deposits (like backpay)
In short: they weren’t built for this.
3. Early Pay Isn’t Just a Perk—It’s a Lifeline
Most mainstream banks post government benefits on the scheduled payment date. But families on SSI or SSDI often:
Need funds before the 1st to pay rent or utilities
Can’t wait 3–5 business days for direct deposit
Don’t have credit cards or savings to fall back on
Purple offers early direct deposit—up to 4 days early¹ for government benefits, at no extra cost. That’s the difference between missing a bill or making it.
4. Bad Design Is Still Blocking Access
For many people with disabilities, mobile banking is a must. But most banks still fail on:
Screen reader compatibility
Clear labeling for assistive tech
Readable fonts and dyslexia-friendly layouts
Cognitive overload with cluttered menus
Worse, their fraud teams may flag accessibility tools as suspicious behavior, locking users out entirely.
We’ve heard the horror stories—and we’re building something better.
5. What Disability-First Banking Looks Like
Purple is built specifically for the disability community. That means:
SSA-compliant rep payee and dedicated accounts
Early direct deposit for SSI, SSDI, and more¹
Spend tracking with benefit-friendly controls
Document storage for SSA letters and receipts
Disability-first support that understands ABLE, SNTs, backpay, and asset limits
We work with families, caregivers, rep payees, and self-advocates to make sure your bank is helping you keep your benefits—not putting them at risk.
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC. The Purple Mastercard® Debit Card is issued by OMB Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Mastercard.
¹ Early access is not guaranteed and depends on payer timing. We generally make funds available on the day we receive the payment file, which may be up to 4 days early for government benefits like SSI or SSDI, and up to 2 days early for other deposits. Early access is available at no additional cost.