EMPSA Act

This legislation, known as the "Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act," seeks to amend Title XVI of the Social Security Act to protect the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its primary purpose is to ensure that these individuals do not experience a reduction in their vital benefits solely because they choose to marry. The bill establishes a new eligibility category for adults aged 18 or older with intellectual or developmental disabilities, provided their individual income and resources meet SSI limits. Crucially, it mandates that for these married individuals, the income and resources of their spouse shall not be considered when determining their eligibility for or the amount of their SSI benefits. This provision directly eliminates the existing "marriage penalty," allowing eligible recipients to maintain their financial support regardless of their marital status.