Supplemental Security Income Equality Act

The "Supplemental Security Income Equality Act" aims to extend the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. This expansion involves amending the Social Security Act to redefine "State" to include these territories specifically for SSI purposes, ensuring their eligibility for the program. Key provisions include the elimination of previous limitations on total federal payments to these territories and the treatment of U.S. nationals as citizens for SSI eligibility. Furthermore, the bill grants the Commissioner of Social Security the authority to waive or modify SSI requirements to better suit the unique needs of each territory. The changes are set to take effect on the first day of the first federal fiscal year beginning one year or more after the bill's enactment.