Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a vital federal program that helps millions of Americans with limited income meet their basic needs. Lawmakers in Washington are now pushing a new proposal that could significantly expand and modernize the program after decades without major updates.
Lawmakers Introduce Plan to Modernize SSI Benefits
A bipartisan group of about 30 lawmakers in Washington, D.C. plans to reintroduce the SSI Restoration Act, a bill designed to update Supplemental Security Income rules and increase benefits.
The legislation is being led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, who says the program has not kept up with economic realities since it was created more than 50 years ago.
“SSI is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans,” Warren said, adding that outdated rules often punish recipients for trying to save money or earn additional income.
Who Qualifies for Supplemental Security Income
SSI provides monthly payments to Americans who have limited income or resources and fall into one of these categories:
- Adults aged 65 or older
- People who are blind
- People with qualifying disabilities
- Children with certain disabilities
Recipients can apply online or at a local Social Security office.
About 7.4 million Americans currently rely on SSI payments.
Current SSI Payment Amounts in 2026
In 2026, the maximum monthly SSI benefits are:
| Recipient Type | Maximum Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Individual | $994 |
| Eligible married couple | $1,491 |
These payments help recipients cover essential living costs such as housing, food, and medical expenses.
Proposed Increase to Income Limits
One of the biggest proposed changes involves the amount of outside income SSI recipients can receive without losing benefits.
Currently, recipients can only receive $20 per month in non-employment income without it affecting their benefits.
This limit was set in 1974 and has never been updated.
The new bill would raise that threshold to $158 per month.
Changes to Earned Income Rules
The bill also proposes raising the earned income exclusion, which determines how much employment income does not count against SSI benefits.
Current rule:
- First $65 in monthly earnings does not count
Proposed change:
- Increase exclusion to $512 per month
This change is intended to make it easier for recipients to work part-time without losing their benefits.
Higher Resource Limits for Savings
SSI currently limits how much money recipients can save.
Under the current rules:
- Individuals: about $2,000 in assets
- Couples: about $3,000 in assets
The proposed legislation would significantly raise these limits.
| Beneficiary Type | Current Limit | Proposed Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Couple | $3,000 | $20,000 |
The bill also proposes adjusting these limits for inflation each year.
Supporters say this would allow recipients to save for emergencies without losing eligibility.
Ending the Marriage Penalty
The proposal also aims to eliminate the so-called SSI marriage penalty.
Currently, married couples receive about 25% less in benefits than they would if they were single.
The bill would set the benefit level for couples at twice the individual benefit, removing the penalty.
Additional Proposed Changes
The legislation includes several other reforms:
- Raise the benefit level to 100% of the federal poverty level
- Remove penalties for in-kind support, such as food or housing provided by family
- Expand SSI eligibility to U.S. territories, including:
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Guam
Experts Say Reform Could Reduce Poverty
Researchers say many SSI recipients live in extreme financial hardship.
According to the Roosevelt Institute, many people receiving SSI struggle to cover even basic living expenses.
Some policy experts argue that strengthening SSI could be a more effective way to reduce poverty among older Americans than expanding traditional Social Security retirement benefits.
FAQ
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people with limited income who are elderly, blind, or have qualifying disabilities.
How much does SSI pay in 2026?
The maximum monthly benefit is $994 for individuals and $1,491 for eligible married couples.
What is the SSI Restoration Act?
It is a proposed bill that would increase benefits, raise savings limits, and update outdated SSI rules.
Why do lawmakers want to change SSI rules?
Many of the program’s limits, such as income thresholds, were set in 1974 and have not been adjusted for inflation.
Would the bill expand SSI eligibility?
Yes, it proposes making SSI available to residents of U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
