The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1151 seeks to amend the Connecticut General Statutes to improve the treatment of certain federal veterans' benefits in income eligibility determinations for public assistance programs. Effective July 1, 2025, the bill requires the Commissioner of Social Services to disregard all United States Department of Veterans Affairs-administered non-service-connected pension benefits, Aid and Attendance pension benefits, and Housebound pension benefits when assessing income for state programs such as Medicare savings, medical assistance, and energy assistance. This change replaces the previous language that only referred to "federal" benefits, thereby broadening the scope of disregarded income and enhancing financial support for veterans and their surviving spouses.

Additionally, the bill modifies the administration of the state supplementation to the Supplemental Security Income Program and other public assistance programs by allowing the same veterans' benefits to be disregarded in income calculations. It eliminates the asset test for the Medicare Savings Program and increases income disregards for various Medicare beneficiary programs. The legislation also establishes new eligibility standards based on household income and mandates that the Commissioner provide applicants with written information regarding property transfers and income limits. Overall, the bill aims to clarify eligibility rules and enhance access to assistance programs for eligible individuals while ensuring that veterans' benefits do not adversely affect their eligibility for essential support.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
VA Joint Favorable:
File No. 280:
APP Joint Favorable: