An act relating to excluding Supplemental Security Income payments from household income

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Chittenden

Excludes SSI benefits from household income for eligibility and benefit calculations in Vermont programs, potentially increasing access and altering benefit amounts.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Finance

Summary of Bill: S 269 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

The bill proposes to exclude Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments from household income for purposes of determine eligibility, benefits, or calculations under Vermont programs that use household income as a metric.

In effect, SSI payments would not be counted as income when assessing a household’s financial resources or eligibility for state-administered programs or benefits.

Key provisions and changes

Exclusion of SSI: The core change is to treat SSI benefits as non-income for household income calculations. This would alter how total household income is calculated under relevant Vermont statutes and rules that currently include SSI as part of income.

Scope of impact: The exemption would apply to income determinations used by Vermont programs that rely on a household income metric. This could affect eligibility or benefit amounts for various state programs (e.g., certain needs-based assistance, subsidies, or services) that compute benefits using household income.

Administrative alignment: The bill would require or enable state agencies to adjust their income calculation methodologies to reflect the exclusion, potentially necessitating rulemaking, forms changes, and guidance for applicants and recipients.

Who would be affected

Recipients and potential beneficiaries of Vermont programs that use household income in eligibility or benefit calculations.

Households receiving SSI, along with other income sources, who might experience changes in eligibility status or benefit levels due to the exclusion of SSI from income calculations.

State and local agencies administering need-based programs, as they would align procedures and notices with the new income definition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Read 1st time and referred to the Committee on Finance on January 16, 2026.

Next steps: The Committee on Finance would review, possibly amend, and decide whether to advance the bill to additional readings or hearings. If advanced, the bill would proceed through standard Vermont legislative process (potential committee hearings, floor debates, and votes in both chambers).

Effective date: The bill text available does not specify an effective date; if enacted, the act would typically define an effective date for when the SSI exclusion applies, either upon passage or a future date. Agencies may require time to update rules and forms.

Potential impacts and considerations

Financial implications: Excluding SSI from household income could increase eligibility or benefit amounts for some programs, reducing the “counted” income against which needs-based assistance is measured. This may expand access or alter benefit levels for low-income households receiving SSI.

Equity and program design: The change aligns Vermont policy with principles that separate needs-based assistance from non-taxable income benefits, potentially simplifying eligibility determinations for households with SSI.

Administrative considerations: Agencies would need to update guidance, eligibility calculators, and notification materials; training for case workers may be required to ensure consistent application.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and stated action history. For precise language, definitions, exemptions, and effective dates, please consult the official bill text and any fiscal notes or agency impact statements provided by the Vermont General Assembly.