Sponsors
Extending SSI to Guam will provide direct cash support and reduce poverty for elderly and disabled residents there, but it increases federal costs and poses administrative and oversight risks that must be managed.
Elderly and disabled low-income residents of Guam will become eligible for SSI cash benefits, directly increasing monthly income support.
Including Guam in SSI will reduce poverty and improve financial stability for eligible households in Guam.
Allows the Social Security Commissioner to adapt program rules for Guam and delays the effective date to give SSA time for implementation, which should enable a smoother rollout and fewer administrative disruptions.
Expanding SSI to Guam will increase federal spending, adding to budgetary pressures that could require offsets or higher taxes.
Broad waiver authority could be used to apply uneven rules or reduce protections for beneficiaries in Guam if not tightly constrained.
Integrating Guam into SSI will create transitional administrative costs and complexity for local agencies and SSA during implementation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Removes statutory exclusions to extend Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility to residents of Guam and allows administrative adaptations for local implementation.
Introduced January 31, 2025 by James Moylan · Last progress January 31, 2025
Makes Guam eligible for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program by removing statutory exclusions that previously prevented Guam residents from receiving SSI and by updating related Social Security Act definitions and payment rules. The bill also gives the Social Security Administration flexibility to waive or modify certain statutory requirements so SSI can operate effectively in Guam, and sets the implementation to begin on the first day of the first federal fiscal year that starts at least one year after enactment.