Protecting Supplemental Security Income for Disaster Victims Act

# Protecting Supplemental Security Income for Disaster Victims Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would protect disaster relief payments from being counted as income for people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal program that provides cash assistance to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Currently, when disaster victims receive emergency aid payments, these can be counted as income, which may reduce or eliminate their SSI benefits. This bill would prevent that from happening, ensuring disaster relief doesn't penalize vulnerable people who depend on SSI. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects people receiving SSI who experience disasters and receive federal or private disaster assistance. This includes elderly individuals, disabled people, and blind individuals who rely on SSI as their primary income source.

It could also indirectly benefit disaster relief organizations and the federal government by reducing bureaucratic complications in processing aid. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 6724) is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Michael A. Rulli, a Republican from Ohio. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process at this time.