SSI Modernization Project. Final report of the experts.

From the report of the experts who served on the SSI Modernization Project, we are reprinting the “Summary of Options Preferred by the Majority of Experts” for each of the issues they identified followed by a table giving the cost estimates. We also have summarized the additional views submitted by several of the experts. For copies of the full report, contact the SSI Modernization Project Staff, 6401 Security Boulevard, Room 3 11, Altmeyer Building, Baltimore, Maryland 2 1235 or telephone (4 10) 965-357 1. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has undertaken a comprehensive examination of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program by reviewing its fundamental structure and purpose. The SSI program has been in operation for over 18 years. The purpose of the Project is to determine whether the SSI program is meeting the needs of the population it is intended to serve in an efficient and caring manner, recognizing the constraints in the current fiscal climate. The Project involved 2 1 people who are experts in the SSI program and/or related public policy areas. The experts represent a wide range of interest regarding programs that serve aged, blind, and disabled persons. The Final Report is the product of some 14,600 public comments in response to the issues and options the experts published in the Federal Register, as well as oral and/or written testimony of more than 400 individuals and organizations leading to development of the issues and options. The Final Report was published on September 4, 1992, with a 90-day period for public comment to the Commissioner of Social Security. The comment period ended December 3, 1992. The Project Staff is preparing an analysis of the options presented in the report, taking into account the experts’ individual views and public comments. The analysis will be considered by SSA in developing legislative proposals as well as in determining regulatory and other initiatives that do not require legislation. Although the individual experts differ on how far they want to go on program changes, and how fast to go, a majority of the experts concluded that there are four top priorities, each of equal importance, which should be addressed first. In no particular order, they are: increase the Federal benefit rates; stop counting as income, in-kind support and maintenance; increase the resource limits, while streamlining the resources exclusions; and increase SSA s&fling.