New Bill Proposes Eliminating SSI Benefit Reductions for Recipients Receiving Family Support
A newly introduced legislative bill aims to significantly alter Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations, potentially benefiting hundreds of thousands of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in the United States. Sponsored by Democratic Representatives Sharice Davids and Mary Gay Scanlon, the proposal seeks to eliminate the controversial rule that reduces monthly SSI payments when recipients receive non-cash assistance, known as in-kind support and maintenance, from family or friends. Currently, benefits are decreased if recipients share housing or meals with others, a practice critics argue penalizes vulnerable populations relying on community care. The legislation argues that such reductions create unnecessary financial stress amidst rising costs for housing, food, and healthcare. If enacted, beneficiaries would retain their full SSI entitlement regardless of informal support received. However, experts note that the bill faces significant hurdles due to ongoing scrutiny of Social Security's budget and trust fund depletion concerns. The bill has been introduced in the House and will now proceed to committee consideration before potential votes in both the House and Senate, marking a critical step in updating social safety net policies.
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New Bill Proposes Eliminating SSI Benefit Reductions for Recipients Receiving Family Support
A newly introduced legislative bill aims to significantly alter Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations, potentially benefiting hundreds of thousands of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in the United States. Sponsored by Democratic Representatives Sharice Davids and Mary Gay Scanlon, the proposal seeks to eliminate the controversial rule that reduces monthly SSI payments when recipients receive non-cash assistance, known as in-kind support and maintenance, from family or friends. Currently, benefits are decreased if recipients share housing or meals with others, a practice critics argue penalizes vulnerable populations relying on community care. The legislation argues that such reductions create unnecessary financial stress amidst rising costs for housing, food, and healthcare. If enacted, beneficiaries would retain their full SSI entitlement regardless of informal support received. However, experts note that the bill faces significant hurdles due to ongoing scrutiny of Social Security's budget and trust fund depletion concerns. The bill has been introduced in the House and will now proceed to committee consideration before potential votes in both the House and Senate, marking a critical step in updating social safety net policies.
Newsweek