Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act or EMPSAThis 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.)
Impact
If enacted, SB73 would amend current federal laws concerning the eligibility and benefit amounts for individuals with disabilities. It sets specific criteria under which these individuals would remain eligible for SSI benefits without the detrimental effects of the 'marriage penalty.' The new regulations would address income rules, stating that any income or resources of a spouse should not be counted in determining benefits for the disabled partner. This change is expected to provide more financial stability for disabled individuals who wish to marry without losing crucial support from SSI.
Summary
Senate Bill 73, known as the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act, proposes significant amendments to Title XVI of the Social Security Act. The central objective of the bill is to ensure that adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities are not faced with a reduction in their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits solely due to their marital status. Currently, when individuals with disabilities marry, their SSI benefits often decrease because the income and resources of their spouse are counted against their eligibility. This bill seeks to rectify that situation by allowing disabled individuals to retain their full benefits regardless of their marriage status.
Contention
While SB73 is largely seen as a progressive step towards equality for individuals with disabilities, there are points of contention that might arise during the legislative process. Advocates argue that the legislation removes an unnecessary financial barrier for disabled individuals, allowing them to lead more fulfilling personal lives. However, critics may voice concerns regarding the potential budgetary implications and how this bill interacts with existing welfare programs. There may also be debates surrounding the enforcement of the new eligibility criteria and the ability of government agencies to manage these adjustments effectively.
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.
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.
To ensure that foster children are able to use their Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits, and other assets and benefits to address their needs and improve their lives.
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the threshold amounts for inclusion of Social Security benefits in income, and for other purposes.