hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Expands SSI eligibility, increases benefits, removes penalties.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and 20 co-sponsors.
Introduced, referred to Finance Committee.
This bill makes major changes to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. It raises the income and asset limits, increases the maximum benefit to the poverty level, and eliminates rules that reduce benefits for married couples or for receiving free housing or food. It also extends SSI to Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Sponsor Elizabeth Warren is a senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction. The bill is in early stages with no committee vote yet.
Introduced Mar 5, 2026
This bill has been introduced in its chamber of Congress. It has been assigned a bill number and referred to a committee for review. Most bills never advance past this stage. The committee may hold hearings, gather expert testimony, and amend the bill before deciding whether to send it to the full chamber for a vote.
Currently, the maximum SSI benefit is about $9,800 a year for an individual; this bill sets it to the federal poverty guideline ($15,060 in 2025, adjusted annually). Asset limits rise from $2,000 to $20,000 for individuals. The 'marriage penalty' is eliminated: couples would get twice the individual rate instead of 75% more. Free food or shelter (in-kind support) would no longer count as income, so living with family wouldn't reduce benefits. Retirement accounts and tribal welfare payments would be excluded from resource limits. SSI would also become available in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
Supporters Say
Supporters say this restores SSI's original purpose by raising benefits and removing outdated restrictions that push people deeper into poverty.
Critics Say
Critics argue the cost is too high without offsets, and expanding to territories could strain administrative systems.
Backed by progressive groups like the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, supporters note SSI benefits haven't kept pace with inflation and asset limits have been frozen since 1989. Critics, often fiscal conservatives, worry about the price tag—estimated tens of billions over a decade—and oppose what they see as welfare expansion without work requirements. The bill's extension to territories raises implementation concerns, as those areas have different cost structures and infrastructure.