Congressman James Moylan announced on Mar. 11 that he has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act, which would make residents of Guam eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The proposed legislation aims to address a long-standing exclusion that prevents disabled Americans living in Guam from accessing SSI, a federal program providing monthly financial assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. While about 7.4 million Americans rely on SSI nationwide, eligible residents of Guam are not currently included.
“For decades, disabled Guamanians have been denied access to Supplemental Security Income. Not because they are less disabled. Not because they are less American. But simply because of where they live,” said Congressman Moylan.
The bill is sponsored by Representative Adelita Grijalva, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Representative Jan Schakowsky alongside Moylan. It would also extend eligibility to other U.S. territories and update several rules that have not changed since the 1970s—such as increasing asset limits for recipients and updating income exclusions so beneficiaries can work without immediately losing benefits.
“The bill also expands who is eligible because it is long overdue for people from Guam and Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa to get SSI benefits as well,” Warren said during a press conference announcing the legislation.
Representative Grijalva added: “This bill will increase benefit amounts and asset limits so that having a minor savings account doesn’t disqualify you from getting benefits… It will rid the punitive reductions in benefits and streamline the claiming process.”
Moylan said he will continue working toward ensuring that Guam residents receive equal treatment under federal programs: “Our residents serve in uniform, pay federal taxes, and pledge allegiance to the same flag… I will continue advocating for SSI for Guam, so we are no longer left behind by a system that should serve all eligible Americans equally.”
