Bill would end SSI marriage penalty for adults with intellectual disabilities

What does this do?

HR 1757 would remove a rule that reduces Supplemental Security Income payments when two SSI recipients marry. Under current law, married recipients are treated as a household and receive less than two single individuals would. The bill would allow adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive the same SSI amount after marriage as they would as single individuals, with a spouse's income and assets no longer counted against them.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects adults aged 18 and older who have an intellectual or developmental disability and receive or could qualify for SSI. Spouses of those individuals are also indirectly affected, as their income and assets would no longer factor into the disabled person's benefit calculation.

Why does it matter?

Under current rules, marrying another SSI recipient reduces both partners' payments, creating a financial consequence tied to marriage. The bill would eliminate that consequence specifically for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, without changing SSI rules for other disability groups, seniors, or blind individuals.

Where does it stand?