February 13, 2026
Ms. Dexter (for herself and Mr. Carey) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
To amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to adjust the minimum monthly personal needs allowances for institutionalized individuals and couples under the supplemental security income program, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Modernize SSI Stipends Act
.
Sec. 2. Adjustment of the minimum monthly personal needs allowances for institutionalized individuals and couples under the SSI program
(a) Doubling of allowances
(1) In general
Section 1611(e)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382(e)(1)(B)) is amended—
(A)
in each of clauses (i) and (ii)(I) by striking $360
and inserting $720
; and
(B)
in clause (iii), by striking $720
and inserting $1,440
.
(2) Applicability
The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to benefits for months after December 31, 2025.
(b) Application of cost-of-Living adjustments
(1) In general
Section 1617(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382f(a)(1)) is amended by striking and (b)(2)
and inserting (b)(2), and (e)(1)(B)
.
(2) Conforming amendments
Section 1611(e)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382(e)(1)(B)) is amended in each of clauses (i) through (iii) by inserting (or, if greater, the amount determined under section 1617)
after each dollar amount specified in such clauses.
(3) Applicability
The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to benefit amount increases for months after December 31, 2025.
(c) Pass-Through to State supplementary payments
(1) In general
Section 1618(g) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382g(g)) is amended—
(A)
by striking 1987
each place it appears and inserting 2025
; and
(B)
in paragraph (4)(B), by striking increased—
and all that follows and inserting increased by the amount of all cost-of-living adjustments under section 1617 to benefits determined under section 1611(e)(1)(B) which have occurred after September 2025 and before that particular month.
.
(2) Effective date
The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on January 1, 2026.