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) in order to provide better support for individuals with disabilities.
The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act aims to address the issue of income and resources ineligibility for SSI by excluding a spouse’s income and resources in the eligibility determination process. Additionally, it seeks to disregard marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount for adults with diagnosed intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Sen. Moran expressed his support for the legislation, highlighting its importance in ensuring that disability payments are not reduced for individuals with disabilities who decide to get married. He praised the proposed changes, emphasizing their goal of protecting the benefits provided to this vulnerable population.
This legislation has received endorsements from several notable organizations, including 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.