This bill doubles the "personal needs allowance" for people on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who live in hospitals or nursing homes. Currently, these individuals usually only get to keep $30 a month for their own use; this bill would increase that amount to $60 a month.
The allowance is intended to pay for small daily expenses that the care facility does not cover. This includes things like clothing, snacks, phone bills, books, or personal care items like haircuts and special toiletries.
For the first time, this allowance would be tied to inflation. This means the monthly amount would automatically increase whenever there is a cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security, ensuring the payment keeps up with rising prices over time.
The legislation includes "pass-through" rules to prevent states from lowering their own financial support. This ensures that the federal increase actually results in more money for the residents rather than being offset by state-level budget cuts.
If passed, these changes would apply to benefits starting in early 2026. This would be the first major update to this specific allowance amount in several decades, as the $30 limit has remained unchanged since the 1980s.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Feb 13, 2026House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Feb 13, 2026
Introduced in House
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Modernize SSI Stipends Act
Bill NumberHR 7573
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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