Sponsors (2)
The bill broadens direct SSI access and predictable benefits for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, improving financial stability and independence, while increasing federal costs and creating short-term administrative and household means‑testing trade-offs.
Adults (18+) with intellectual or developmental disabilities who meet income/resource limits gain direct eligibility for SSI, increasing access to cash benefits.
Eligible individuals will receive the full standard SSI benefit rate (reduced only by their own non‑excluded income), providing predictable monthly cash support for living expenses.
Married applicants in the new eligibility category are protected from spouse deeming, so a spouse's income/resources won't disqualify or reduce the person's SSI benefits.
Expanding SSI eligibility will increase federal spending, potentially raising concerns about budgetary costs borne by taxpayers.
Implementation requires SSA administrative changes (eligibility rules, casework, IT systems) and could cause delays or transitional issues that temporarily affect applicants and SSA staff.
Removing spouse deeming for these applicants changes how household resources are counted, which could alter eligibility or benefit levels for other means‑tested programs within some married households.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Adds a new SSI eligibility path for adults 18+ with intellectual or developmental disabilities, uses standard SSI income/resource limits, bars spousal deeming, and applies after 180+ days.
Official title: Amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to provide that the supplemental security income benefits of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities shall not be reduced by reason of marriage.
Introduced January 13, 2025 by Jerry Moran · Last progress January 13, 2025
Creates a new, independent SSI eligibility pathway for adults (age 18+) diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability so they can qualify for Supplemental Security Income using existing SSI income and resource limits without having to meet the standard disability definition; it also sets benefit computation rules and prevents deeming of a spouse’s income and resources for those who qualify. Changes take effect for benefit months beginning more than 180 days after the bill becomes law.