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.
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.
Defines "closed period of eligibility" for purposes of supplemental security income for aged, blind, and disabled persons; includes such time period in the eligibility requirements of such supplemental security income.
Urging the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 2540, the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, and increase resource limits for Supplemental Security Income.
Defines "closed period of eligibility" for purposes of supplemental security income for aged, blind, and disabled persons; includes such time period in the eligibility requirements of such supplemental security income.