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EMPSA

2/11/2025, 5:53 AM

Summary of Bill S 73

Bill 119 s 73, also known as the "Marriage Penalty Elimination Act," aims to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to ensure that adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who receive supplemental security income (SSI) benefits will not have their benefits reduced due to marriage.

Currently, individuals who receive SSI benefits may see a reduction in their benefits if they get married. This can create a financial burden for individuals with disabilities who wish to marry and may discourage them from entering into marriage.

The proposed bill seeks to eliminate this marriage penalty for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, allowing them to receive the full amount of SSI benefits regardless of their marital status. This change would provide greater financial stability and independence for individuals with disabilities who choose to marry. Overall, Bill 119 s 73 aims to promote equality and support the rights of individuals with disabilities to marry without facing financial penalties.

Congressional Summary of S 73

Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act or EMPSA

This bill excludes a spouse's income and resources when determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disregards marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount, for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability. (SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs.)

Current Status of Bill S 73

Bill S 73 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 13, 2025. Bill S 73 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 13, 2025.  Bill S 73's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of January 13, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 73

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 73

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 73

A bill to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to provide that the supplemental security income benefits of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities shall not be reduced by reason of marriage.
A bill to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to provide that the supplemental security income benefits of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities shall not be reduced by reason of marriage.

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