[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING A BILL TO EXCLUDE GIFTS WHEN CALCULATING SUPPLEMENTAL 
                            SECURITY INCOME

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2002

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce a bill to exclude 
gifts worth less than $100 when calculating a person's income for 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  A constituent in Hawaii who helps disabled individuals obtain SSI 
benefits brought this problem to my attention. He explained how a 
person who received SSI was penalized for accepting gifts.
  This individual was given money for a birthday and Christmas, which 
she reported to Social Security. Social Security treated the gifts as 
income. Because she accepted gifts while her SSI claim was being 
adjudicated, the gifts were deducted from the retroactive benefits that 
she deserved. These gifts were not income and should not be treated as 
income.
  My bill excludes gifts worth less than $100 from income when 
calculating SSI benefits. The bill will refocus the Social Security 
Administration's needs tests on true income generating activities.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill and help eliminate a 
penalty on poor and disabled individuals who receive small gifts from 
their friends and relatives.

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