Summary#
This bill would extend the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. To do this, it changes several parts of the Social Security Act so those territories are treated the same as States for SSI. It also removes a statutory limit on total payments to the territories and adjusts language so United States nationals can be treated the same as citizens for SSI eligibility. The bill gives the Commissioner of Social Security authority to waive or modify statutory requirements to adapt SSI rules for each territory. The changes take effect on the first day of the first Federal fiscal year that begins at least one year after the bill becomes law.
What it means for you#
- Residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa would be included in the SSI program and eligible under the program rules, subject to individual eligibility requirements.
- The bill treats United States nationals the same as citizens for the purpose of SSI eligibility.
- The Social Security Commissioner could change or waive some statutory SSI rules to adapt the program for conditions in a territory.
- The law would not start immediately; it begins on the first day of the first Federal fiscal year that starts one year or more after enactment.
Expenses#
- No cost estimate or budgetary detail is included in the bill text provided.
- The bill removes an existing limit on total payments to the territories, but the text does not give dollar amounts or projected spending.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.