Supplemental Security Income Equality Act

This bill, the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act (HR 256), would extend the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Currently, these territories are excluded from SSI, which provides monthly financial assistance to low-income elderly, disabled, and blind individuals. The bill amends the Social Security Act to include the territories in the definition of "state" for SSI eligibility, remove payment limits for territories, and ensure U.S. nationals are treated equally with citizens. It also grants the Social Security Commissioner authority to waive requirements to adapt the program to each territory’s needs. The changes would take effect one year after the bill is enacted.