The bill proposes amendments to Section 40-6-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-6, titled "Public Assistance Act," specifically concerning the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. It authorizes the director of the department to enter into agreements with federal officials regarding the administration and determination of eligibility for SSI benefits for state residents. The bill includes an increase in the state's monthly share of supplementary assistance to the SSI program, with new amounts for individuals and couples living alone or with others, as well as for individuals living in state-licensed assisted-living or supportive residential-care settings. The previous monthly shares of $39.92, $51.92, $79.38, and $97.30 for various living arrangements are being replaced with increased amounts of $79.92, $97.92, $119.38, and $137.30, respectively.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision for annual adjustments to the state supplemental payment allowance and the personal needs allowance, starting 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 responsibilities in determining medical need and appropriate services for SSI applicants or recipients in supportive residential-care settings and assisted-living residences. The bill would take effect upon passage and aims to ensure that the state's supplementary assistance to the SSI program keeps pace with inflation as measured by the Federal Consumer Price Index.

Statutes affected:
7852: 40-6-27