The bill amends Section 40-6-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-6, titled "Public Assistance Act," to adjust the state's monthly share of supplementary assistance to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The amendments include increases in the state's monthly share for individuals and couples living alone or with others, with specific amounts for each category being replaced with higher values. For example, an individual living alone will now receive $79.92 instead of the previous $39.92, and a couple living alone will receive $119.38 instead of $79.38. The bill also maintains the current payment of $332.00 for individuals living in state-licensed assisted-living residences and $300.00 for those in state-licensed supportive residential-care settings.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision for annual adjustments to the state supplemental payment allowance and the personal needs allowance, beginning July 1, 2025. These allowances will increase annually by the same percentage as the increase in the Federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers over the average for the previous calendar year. The bill also outlines the department's authority to enter into agreements concerning the administration and determination of eligibility for SSI benefits, the direct payment of state supplement payments by the department of human services, and the establishment of certification or contract standards for state-licensed supportive residential-care settings and assisted-living residences. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7852: 40-6-27