Number: 105-13
Date: September 24, 1998

HOUSE PASSES BY VOICE VOTE H.R. 4558
THE "NONCITIZEN BENEFIT CLARIFICATION AND OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENT ACT OF 1998"

 

On September 23, 1998, the House passed by voice vote H.R. 4558, the "Noncitizen Benefit Clarification and Other Technical Amendment Act of 1998."  Senate action is expected before Congress adjourns in October.

Below are descriptions of the SSA-related provisions in H.R. 4558 as passed.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) PROVISIONS

Continuing Eligibility for Certain Aliens Receiving Benefits in August 1996

  • Would permanently extend the eligibility of all "nonqualified" noncitizens who were receiving SSI benefits when the welfare reform law was passed in August 1996 (P.L. 104-193). Their benefits had been previously extended through September 30, 1998, by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33).

Disregard of Awards Made to Children on SSI Because of Life-Threatening Conditions

  • Would exclude from SSI eligibility and benefit determinations in-kind gifts not converted to cash and the first $2,000 annually of cash gifts made by tax-exempt organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to individuals under age 18 with life-threatening conditions.

            Would apply to gifts made on or after the date that is 2 years before the date of enactment.

Enhanced Recovery of SSI Overpayments from Social Security Benefits

  • Would authorize SSA to collect SSI overpayments by offsetting Social Security benefits, with a maximum monthly offset of no more than 10 percent of the Social Security benefit.  (Currently, such recovery of SSI overpayments from Social Security benefits may be made only with the agreement of the overpaid individual.)

            Would be effective upon enactment.