Bill > HR4814

This bill extends the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, a federal assistance program for low-income elderly, blind, and disabled individuals, to four U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Currently, these territories are not fully included in the SSI program. The bill makes several key changes to existing law, including redefining "state" to include these territories, eliminating previous limitations on total payments to territories, and treating U.S. nationals the same as citizens for SSI eligibility purposes. It also grants the Commissioner of Social Security the authority to waive or modify program requirements to better suit the specific needs of each territory. Additionally, the bill allows these territories to be considered part of the geographic "United States" for SSI program purposes. The amendments will take effect on the first day of the first federal fiscal year that begins at least one year after the bill's enactment, giving federal agencies time to prepare for the program's expansion. This legislation aims to provide more consistent and equitable social safety net support for residents of these U.S. territories.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4814/all-info