Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act
Rep. Panetta Introduces Bipartisan Bill to End Marriage Penalty for Disabled Adults
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by two House committees. It is actively moving forward as it waits for these committees to consider its provisions. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
The bill has support from both parties and addresses a long-standing civil rights issue, but changes to Social Security spending often face a slow path through committees.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
The bill updates gendered language in Social Security law from "husband and wife" to "two married individuals" and "spouse," making the statute consistent with marriage equality. LGBTQ disabled adults who want to marry also benefit from the removal of the marriage penalty, ensuring they can access both marriage rights and disability benefits.
“by striking ``a husband and wife'' each place it appears and inserting ``two married individuals''”
Programs
Disabilities
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
5 articles
Couples say they can't get married because of this government program's outdated rules
Explores the 'marriage penalty' in the SSI program and mentions legislative efforts like the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act to fix rules that strip benefits from disabled adults who wed, forcing them to choose between love and survival.
Marriage could mean losing life-saving benefits for people with disabilities. So they’re protesting.
Covers a mass commitment ceremony on the National Mall where couples protested the 'marriage penalty.' The article highlights the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act as a key legislative solution to protect benefits for married disabled individuals.
Seeking Marriage Equality for People With Disabilities
Profiles Lori Long, whose struggle to marry without losing her Childhood Disability Benefits inspired Rep. Jimmy Panetta to author the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act. The bill aims to remove the restriction that DAC recipients must remain single.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(12)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.