WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Chris Van Hollen (D- Md.) today introduced legislation that would direct the Social Security Administration to change the way it calculates Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to not penalize individuals with disabilities who chose to marry.

The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act would exclude a spouse’s income and resources when determining eligibility for (SSI) and disregard marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability.

“Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married,” said Sen. Moran. “This is sensible legislation that would change how disability payments are calculated to make certain the benefits we provide to individuals with disabilities aren’t diminished because they choose to get married.”

“Supplemental Security Income is critical to allowing people with disabilities to strengthen their financial security and independence,” said Sen. Van Hollen. “This legislation will ensure that these Americans won’t be financially penalized simply for marrying.” 

This legislation is endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, Autism society of America, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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