EMPSA Act Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act
If enacted, the EMPSA Act will change existing regulations regarding the eligibility and calculation of benefits under SSI for individuals who are married. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the income and resources of the spouse will not be counted when determining the benefit amount for the individual. This adjustment is expected to alleviate the financial stress associated with the marriage penalty, promoting the wellbeing of those affected and encouraging marriage among individuals with disabilities without fear of losing vital financial support.
House Bill 7055, known as the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (or EMPSA Act), seeks to amend Title XVI of the Social Security Act. The bill's primary aim is to ensure that the supplemental security income (SSI) benefits of adults diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities are not reduced due to marriage. Currently, individuals on SSI may face a decrease in their benefits when they enter into marriage, which the bill intends to rectify by preventing such reductions, thereby providing more financial stability and support to these individuals.
The bill addresses a significant point of contention regarding the financial treatment of married individuals with disabilities. Advocates for the bill argue that the current marriage penalty discriminates against couples, suggesting that many individuals may choose not to marry due to fears of losing benefits. Opponents might express concerns about the potential costs to the SSI program, cautioning against the long-term implications of expanding benefits under the existing framework. The discourse surrounding HB7055 emphasizes the need for balance in welfare policies, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations without imposing undue burdens on social programs.