Senate Bill S902

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S902

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to eligibility
for additional state payments to recipients of supplemental security
income benefits and repealing paragraph (b) of subdivision 2 of
section 209 of such law relating thereto


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA :
To eliminate the present disincentives in state supplemental funding
to SSI recipients.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
Redefines the "living with others" category as meaning a couple or
person who is living in a private household with another individual or
individuals and who are:

(a) receiving maintenance and support (food and shelter) from another;

(b) a child under the age of eighteen; or

(c) a child under the age of twenty-two who is attending an accredited
school.

Any person not living with others as defined in the above paragraph,
              

shall be deemed to be living alone.

 JUSTIFICATION :
Currently, state funding for Supplemental Security Income benefits are
significantly reduced whenever recipients live with other individuals
regardless of whether their costs are substantially reduced. with the
shrinking value of the dollar, recipients, the majority of whom are
elderly and/or chronically disabled, find that they are forced to
choose between paying for their rent or food. By sharing their living
arrangements, recipients can realize some savings in their household
expenses as well as reduce their social isolation. The provision of an
adequate income and social support system is an essential component in
assuring the ability of the elderly and chronically impaired to
function in the community and thus postpone or prevent
institutionalization. Data indicates that approximately fourteen
percent of the elderly population is potentially at risk of using
institutional services.  with an increasingly stringent environment
for resource allocation, it is now, more than ever, necessary to
invest in preventative and supportive measures that assist individuals
in continuing to live in the community.

 FISCAL IMPLICATION FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :
To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
The first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have
become law.