Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen have collaborated to propose a new legislation aimed at reforming the calculation method for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The objective of this legislation is to provide better support for individuals with disabilities.
The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act aims to remove the negative impact on SSI eligibility caused by a spouse’s income and resources. Additionally, it seeks to eliminate the influence of marital status when determining the SSI benefit amount for adults with diagnosed intellectual or developmental disabilities.
“This legislation aims to ensure that disability payments are calculated in a fair manner, so that individuals with disabilities are not penalized for choosing to marry,” stated Senator Moran.
This legislation has received endorsements from prominent organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, Autism Society of America, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
