The bill would eliminate these reductions so that seniors and people with disabilities do not lose SSI benefits simply because they receive support to meet basic needs.
Eliminate SSI benefit reductions that occur when seniors and people with disabilities receive basic in-kind support like food or housing from family, friends, or caregivers.
Occurrences
Evidence
SSA's 2026 SSI Income page says that effective 09/30/2024, food is no longer included in in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) calculations, so food no longer reduces SSI payments.
SSA's 2026 Living Arrangements page says SSI benefits may still be reduced when someone pays rent, mortgage, electricity, or heating fuel, and it gives 2026 ISM reductions up to $351.33.
Assessments
SSA guidance shows one major part of the promise was achieved: effective 2024-09-30, food is no longer counted as in-kind support and maintenance, so food-related SSI reductions were eliminated. But the shelter/housing side of the promise still remains in place in 2026, with benefits still reduced for in-kind shelter support such as rent, mortgage, electricity, or heating fuel. There is no evidence here that Mary Gay Scanlon personally sponsored or materially advanced the reform, so this is partial credit rather than full delivery.