H.R. 7573

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 7573 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7573 To amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to adjust the minimum monthly personal needs allowances for institutionalized individuals and couples under the supplemental security income program, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 13, 2026 Ms. Dexter (for herself and Mr. Carey) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to adjust the minimum monthly personal needs allowances for institutionalized individuals and couples under the supplemental security income program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Modernize SSI Stipends Act''. SEC. 2. ADJUSTMENT OF THE MINIMUM MONTHLY PERSONAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES FOR INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES UNDER THE SSI PROGRAM. (a) Doubling of Allowances.-- (1) In general.--Section 1611(e)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382(e)(1)(B)) is amended-- (A) in each of clauses (i) and (ii)(I) by striking ``$360'' and inserting ``$720''; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking ``$720'' and inserting ``$1,440''. (2) Applicability.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to benefits for months after December 31, 2025. (b) Application of Cost-of-Living Adjustments.-- (1) In general.--Section 1617(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382f(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``and (b)(2)'' and inserting ``(b)(2), and (e)(1)(B)''. (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 1611(e)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382(e)(1)(B)) is amended in each of clauses (i) through (iii) by inserting ``(or, if greater, the amount determined under section 1617)'' after each dollar amount specified in such clauses. (3) Applicability.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to benefit amount increases for months after December 31, 2025. (c) Pass-Through to State Supplementary Payments.-- (1) In general.--Section 1618(g) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382g(g)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``1987'' each place it appears and inserting ``2025''; and (B) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``increased-- '' and all that follows and inserting ``increased by the amount of all cost-of-living adjustments under section 1617 to benefits determined under section 1611(e)(1)(B) which have occurred after September 2025 and before that particular month.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on January 1, 2026. <all>