The bill amends Section 40-6-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-6, titled "Public Assistance Act," specifically addressing the state's supplementary assistance to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The amendment includes an increase in the state's monthly share of supplementary assistance for individuals living in state-licensed assisted-living residences from $332.00 to $352.00, with $140.00 of this amount being allocated to the individual's personal needs allowance. Other provisions in the section remain unchanged, detailing the authorization for the director of the department to enter into agreements concerning SSI benefits, the state supplement payment levels for various living arrangements, and the personal needs allowance for individuals living in institutions or in state-licensed supportive residential-care settings.

The bill also outlines the department's responsibilities, including determining medical need for SSI applicants in supportive residential-care settings and assisted-living residences, establishing certification or contract standards for these settings, and providing additional assistance for emergency moving costs, lost or stolen SSI benefit checks, and issues arising from estranged spouses under federal SSI regulations. The act would take effect upon passage, indicating that the changes would be implemented immediately once the bill is enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
2578: 40-6-27