Bill > A02048

This bill increases the personal needs allowance (a monthly stipend for personal expenses) for individuals receiving or eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in New York State who are residents of residential health care facilities or certain medical facilities. Specifically, the bill raises the monthly personal needs allowance for residents of residential health care facilities from $55 to $200 for those receiving SSI, and from $50 to $200 for those not receiving SSI. For residents of intermediate care facilities or mental health hospitals, the allowance increases from $35 to $89 for SSI recipients, and introduces a similar provision for non-SSI recipients. The bill also introduces an important new provision that mandates annual adjustments to these allowance amounts based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which will help ensure the allowances keep pace with inflation. For veterans in nursing facilities, the bill modifies existing rules to allow them to receive their reduced veterans pension plus the standard personal needs allowance amounts. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to all benefits and allowances issued on and after that date, providing a significant increase in personal spending money for vulnerable individuals in long-term care settings.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2048