Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5568

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB5568 would significantly impact the eligibility for and the amount of SSI benefits. The proposed amendments would ensure that income and resources of an individual's spouse would not be counted when determining eligibility and benefit amounts. This means that married individuals with disabilities would be able to retain their full benefits, theoretically enhancing their financial stability and incentivizing personal relationships without fear of financial repercussions.

Summary

SB5568, known as the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA), aims to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act. The bill proposes that the supplemental security income (SSI) benefits for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities should not be reduced due to marriage. The bill seeks to address the 'marriage penalty' that currently exists, whereby individuals lose part of their benefits when they marry, thereby discouraging individuals with disabilities from pursuing marital relationships.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Proponents argue that eliminating the marriage penalty would encourage individuals with disabilities to pursue meaningful relationships and provide them with the financial support needed to thrive without losing critical SSI benefits. However, opponents might express concerns about potential long-term fiscal implications for the SSI program or argue about the fairness of benefits allocation amongst different groups, as the bill could alter the dynamics of benefit distribution.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10478

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.

US SB73

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.)

US HB7138

Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2024

US SB5603

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.

US SB5548

A bill to amend title III of the Social Security Act to improve the accuracy of payment of unemployment compensation benefits, and for other purposes.

US SB3

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive cost-sharing for advance care planning services, and for other purposes.

US SB5474

A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to establish an interagency council on social determinants of health, and for other purposes.

US HB7697

Dignity and Autonomy for Our Supplemental Security Income PNA Beneficiaries Act

US HB1389

Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults ActThis bill eliminates certain marriage-related criteria for individuals entitled to Social Security child’s benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).Specifically, the bill removes the requirement that individuals receiving Social Security child’s benefits be unmarried. Those eligible for Social Security child’s benefits generally include the minor children of eligible or deceased workers and disabled adult children (the disabled adult children of such workers for whom the onset of disability occurred before age 22). Under current law, child beneficiaries generally lose their benefits upon marriage to an individual who is not also eligible for Social Security benefits. With respect to SSI, the bill removes the requirement that couples who present themselves as married in their community be considered married for purposes of SSI eligibility. The bill also exempts SSI recipients who are disabled adult children, or who marry disabled adult children, from the general requirement that the income or resources of an SSI recipient’s spouse be considered in an eligibility determination.  Further, married disabled adult children and their spouses who would otherwise be eligible for Medicaid in a state if they were unmarried must remain eligible for Medicaid regardless of their marriage. 

US SB5612

A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for prior authorization reforms under the Medicare Advantage program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.