On February 27, 2025, Congressman David Valadao of California’s 22nd district and Congresswoman Susie Lee of Nevada’s 3rd district reintroduced the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA). This bipartisan legislation aims to eliminate the marriage penalty affecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Congressman Valadao stated, “No one should have to choose between love and financial security, yet outdated SSI rules unfairly penalize married individuals with disabilities.” He emphasized that the bill is a “common sense solution” allowing those with disabilities to receive necessary benefits while maintaining their right to marry.
Congresswoman Susie Lee echoed these sentiments, noting that no one should be penalized for marriage when it comes to accessing critical benefits. She described the EMPSA as a crucial step toward ensuring married adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive their full SSI entitlement.
The National Down Syndrome Society President and CEO, Kandi Pickard, expressed support for the bill: “Marriage should never have to be a distant dream. No one should have to choose between marrying the person they love and securing the vital benefits they need.”
Jim Hudson, Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress, highlighted that this bill would allow people with Down syndrome and other disabilities to marry without risking significant reductions or loss of SSI benefits. He expressed gratitude towards Representatives Valadao and Lee for their leadership on this issue.
Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks, also supported the initiative: “We are grateful to Representatives David Valadao and Susie Lee for taking action… Their bipartisan bill will help protect the financial independence of people with disabilities.”
Hampus Hillerstrom from LuMind IDSC Foundation remarked on eliminating discriminatory regulations against disabled individuals who earn less than average due to their conditions. He sees this progress as supportive of human rights.
Supporting organizations include National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, and LuMind IDSC Foundation.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed for aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income. Currently, married couples receiving SSI face reduced total benefits compared to unmarried couples living together. The EMSPA Act proposes excluding a spouse’s income when determining eligibility for SSI benefits for adults diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
