US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB256

Introduced
1/10/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 256 could lead to significant amendments to the Social Security Act. Key provisions include reclassifying these territories as states for the purpose of SSI eligibility and eliminating the current limitations on total payments that territories receive from federal assistance programs. By ensuring that the territories are treated similarly to states, the bill aims to improve the financial security of individuals living in these regions who rely on SSI benefits.

Summary

House Bill 256, titled the 'Supplemental Security Income Equality Act', seeks to amend existing federal law to extend the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. The SSI program, designed to assist elderly, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income to meet basic needs, has historically excluded these territories since its inception in 1972. This legislation was introduced by a bi-partisan group of representatives to rectify this exclusion and provide more equitable support to residents of these territories.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing long-standing disparities in federal assistance, it may face contention regarding the fiscal implications, particularly concerning the federal budget. Critics may argue that extending these benefits could place an additional strain on federal resources, especially as it lifts prior restrictions on how much assistance the territories can receive. Balancing the need for equity in federal benefit distribution with fiscal responsibility is expected to be a central point of debate as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB878

Katrina and Leslie Schaller ActThis bill extends the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to include Guam. (SSI is a federal assistance program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet their basic needs. Guam has been excluded from SSI since Congress created the program in 1972.)Under the bill, the Social Security Administration may waive or modify statutory requirements relating to the provision of SSI benefits as necessary to adapt the program to the needs of Guam.The bill also eliminates an existing cap on payments to Guam under SSI, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and other assistance programs.   

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 HB362

Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act of 2025 This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a visa waiver program for nationals of certain countries to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands.Specifically, the bill expands an existing program that authorizes nonimmigrant visa waivers for nationals of certain countries to enter Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands to also authorize waivers for entry to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under this program, DHS may provide a waiver admitting a nonimmigrant visitor for up to 45 days if the waiver does not represent a threat to the welfare, safety, or security of the United States or its territories or commonwealths.

US HB4814

Supplemental Security Income Equality Act

US HB728

Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025This bill expands eligibility for Head Start programs to include the children of families eligible for specified public assistance programs. Specifically, the bill expands Head Start eligibility to include the children of families that qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and federal housing assistance (commonly known as Section 8). The bill also provides statutory authority for the eligibility of families that qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Families that qualify for state-funded food assistance programs with eligibility standards identical or substantially similar to the standards for SNAP must also be eligible for Head Start. 

US HSB696

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the medical assistance program, and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services.(See HF 2716.)

US HF2716

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program; the medical assistance program; the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children; and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services. (Formerly HSB 696.)

US HB204

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act This bill requires the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject individuals to substance-abuse screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.

US SB4001

Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2026

US HB7828

Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2026

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.