Davids, Scanlon Introduce Bill to Stop Social Security Cuts for Seniors, People with Disabilities
Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) introduced new legislation to change a longstanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rule that can reduce benefits for seniors and people with disabilities simply because they receive basic help like food or housing from family, friends, or caregivers.
“In Kansas, we take care of our neighbors — whether that’s a parent helping their child get through a tough month or a family making sure a loved one has a place to stay,” said Davids. “But right now, federal rules can actually punish seniors and people with disabilities for receiving that kind of support. That’s wrong. My new bill, which I’m leading with my colleague Rep. Scanlon, fixes it so people don’t lose out on their Social Security just because of the way Kansans naturally look out for each other.”
“Social Security provides a critical social safety net for seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children,” said Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05). “SSI’s rules disfavoring in-kind support and maintenance punish people receiving basic assistance from friends and family. At a time when the cost of living has skyrocketed, it is critical that we address these harmful rules, which discourage people from staying connected to their communities. I’m grateful for Rep. Davids’ partnership in making SSI more accessible for those who need it.”
SSI is a federal program that provides monthly financial support to seniors and people with disabilities who have very low income. Under current rules, their benefits can be reduced if they receive basic help like food or housing from family or others, or if certain income from household members is counted toward them. These rules can also make the program more complicated to administer and harder for beneficiaries to understand.
Davids’ bill would eliminate these reductions so that seniors and people with disabilities do not lose SSI benefits simply because they receive basic support to meet everyday needs. The legislation is aimed at simplifying the program, reducing administrative complexity, and ensuring more consistent and fair access to the full benefits people rely on.
"The SSI Savings and Efficiency Act of 2026 takes a long-overdue step to fix one of SSI’s most outdated and harmful policies,” said Heather Sachs, Policy & Advocacy Co-Director, National Down Syndrome Congress. “The current ISM rules punish people with disabilities for receiving basic help like food or housing — support that keeps people stable and connected to their communities. Eliminating ISM is a commonsense reform that promotes fairness, reduces bureaucracy, and ensures SSI works the way it should.”
“ANCOR applauds Representatives Davids and Scanlon for their common-sense approach to tearing down barriers that for far too long have kept people with disabilities and older adults from accessing the support they need to remain in their homes and communities,” said Barbara Merrill, Chief Executive Officer, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). “By removing SSI’s in-kind support and maintenance rules, the SSI Savings & Efficiency Act would take us closer to an SSI program that is fairer, simpler, and more responsive to the daily realities facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ANCOR is proud to support this legislation and grateful for the leadership of Representatives Davids and Scanlon.”
Social Security plays a crucial role in the lives of millions, from birth to retirement. In Kansas’ Third District, there are 130,424 Social Security recipients, including 105,041 retirees, 6,120 children, and 9,975 disabled workers. Yet, both President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have made damaging comments about Social Security. Musk called the program a "Ponzi scheme," and Trump referred to it as a "scam."
Davids has been an advocate for Social Security beneficiaries throughout her time in Congress. She helped pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, a law repealing outdated rules that reduce benefits for millions of public sector retirees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers. These benefits have already begun hitting Kansans’ bank accounts. Davids also voted against an extreme, partisan funding bill that would allow Trump and Musk to fire Social Security workers, causing office closures, longer wait times, and delays in benefits.
The bill is endorsed by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), Autism Speaks, the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, Access Ready Inc., and Justice in Aging.