Supplemental Security Income Equality Act

Supplemental Security Income Equality Act

This bill extends the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. This is a federal program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs. When Congress created the SSI program in 1972, it excluded these territories.

The Social Security Administration may waive or modify statutory requirements relating to the provision of benefits as necessary to adapt the SSI program to each territory.

This bill also eliminates a limit on payments from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and other Department of Health and Human Services programs to the territories.

Bill 118 hr 256, also known as the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address disparities in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program that currently exist for individuals who are married or in a domestic partnership.

The bill aims to provide equal treatment for individuals who are married or in a domestic partnership by ensuring that their SSI benefits are not reduced based on the income or resources of their spouse or partner. This would help to alleviate financial burdens for individuals who rely on SSI as their primary source of income.

Additionally, the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act seeks to update the eligibility criteria for SSI benefits to better reflect the cost of living and financial needs of individuals who rely on this program for support. This would help to ensure that individuals receiving SSI benefits are able to meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living. Overall, the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act aims to promote fairness and equality within the SSI program by addressing disparities that currently exist for individuals who are married or in a domestic partnership. This bill is currently being reviewed by Congress and has the potential to have a positive impact on the lives of individuals who rely on SSI for financial support.