H.R. 4814: Supplemental Security Income Equality Act

This bill, known as the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act, aims to expand the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to include residents of specific U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill would accomplish:

Extension of SSI Program

The bill proposes to amend the Social Security Amendments of 1972 by removing existing limitations and making the SSI program applicable to the mentioned territories, which currently do not fully benefit from this federal program. The changes include:

• Inclusion of Territories: The definition of "state" within the Social Security Act is revised to include Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
• Removal of Payment Limit: The bill eliminates the current limit on total payments directed to these territories under the SSI program.
• Equal Treatment of Nationals: The bill ensures that U.S. nationals in these territories will be treated the same as U.S. citizens concerning SSI eligibility.
• Geographical Inclusion: The bill expands the geographic interpretation of the United States to incorporate these territories for SSI purposes.

Waiver Authority

The bill grants the Commissioner of Social Security the authority to waive or modify any requirements of the SSI program for Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa as needed. This is intended to help adapt the program to the local conditions and specific needs of these territories.

Effective Date

The amendments proposed by this bill will take effect at the start of the first federal fiscal year that begins at least one year after the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies

None found.