New Jersey Senate Bill SR118

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/16/24
• Refer: 12/16/24

Caption

Urges US Congress to enact legislation allowing individuals with disabilities to retain federal disability benefits upon marriage.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need for updates to antiquated SSA policies, particularly concerning asset limits that have not been adjusted since 1989. The current law makes it difficult for individuals receiving SSI to save money, thereby causing hardships. By urging Congress to act, the resolution aims to mitigate these challenges and ensure that marriage does not result in a financial setback for couples with disabilities. In addition, the SSA's recent acknowledgment of outdated policies signifies a potential openness to reforming disability benefit structures.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 118 urges the United States Congress to enact legislation that would allow individuals with disabilities to retain their federal disability benefits upon marriage. Currently, federal statutes under the Social Security Administration (SSA) place significant restrictions on individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which can lead to the loss of these critical benefits if they enter into marriage. This resolution highlights the plight of couples, such as Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham, who face the reality of losing their necessary benefits simply due to their marital status.

Contention

Supporters of SR118 argue that the existing framework discourages marriage for individuals with disabilities, creating a dichotomy between personal happiness and financial security. This situation raises ethical concerns about the implications of marriage rights and the fundamental freedoms that should accompany the decision to marry. Opponents, however, may point to the sustainability of federal benefit programs and the implications of allowing couples to retain full benefits while improving resource limits. This tension between personal freedom and fiscal responsibility highlights the complexity of legislative changes in this area.