H.R. 878: Katrina and Leslie Schaller Act

This bill, titled the Katrina and Leslie Schaller Act, aims to extend the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to the territory of Guam. Here are the key points of what the bill involves:

Extension of SSI to Guam

The main purpose of the bill is to amend existing legislation to ensure that Guam is included in the Supplemental Security Income program, which currently provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and meet certain income qualifications. Currently, Guam is excluded from the program.

Amendments to Social Security Act

The bill includes several amendments to the Social Security Act concerning the following:

• Inclusion of Guam: The term "State" within the context of social security laws will be revised to include Guam, allowing residents of Guam to be eligible for SSI benefits.
• Payment Limitations: The bill proposes to eliminate existing limits on total payments to Guam under certain program sections, thereby potentially increasing the financial resources available for SSI in the region.
• Geographic Definition of the U.S.: The geographic definition of the United States for SSI purposes will be updated to include Guam, thus directly impacting the eligibility of Guam residents.

Waiver Authority

The bill grants the Commissioner of Social Security the authority to waive or modify any statutory requirements related to the SSI program in Guam. This provision is designed to allow flexibility in adapting the program to better meet the specific needs of residents in Guam.

Effective Date

The changes proposed by the bill will take effect on the first day of the first federal fiscal year that begins one year or more after the bill is enacted. This means there would be a transition period before the changes are implemented.

Relevant Companies

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