H.R. 256

Supplemental Security Income Equality Act

This bill extends the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. This is a federal program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs. When Congress created the SSI program in 1972, it excluded these territories.

The Social Security Administration may waive or modify statutory requirements relating to the provision of benefits as necessary to adapt the SSI program to each territory.

This bill also eliminates a limit on payments from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and other Department of Health and Human Services programs to the territories.