Senator Golden Announces 2006 Adjustment For Ssi Benefits

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), Chairman of the Aging Committee, today is announcing that legislation he authored in the State Senate, Senate Bill 5757 was signed into law by Governor Pataki as Chapter 713 of the Laws of 2005.

The legislation increases the standards of monthly need for aged, blind and disabled persons and increases the mandatory minimum state supplementation of federal supplemental security income (SSI) benefits.

Supplemental Security Income is a federal program designed to assist aged, blind and disabled persons who have little or no income purchase life’s necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. New York is one of nine states and the District of Columbia which supplement the federal payments to further assist those in need. The increase is designed to reflect cost of living adjustments.

Senator Golden stated, “Independence and dignity should be enjoyed by all New Yorkers. This legislation will ensure that those most in need receive adequate benefits, and that New York State remains in compliance with federal Medicaid standards. For our disabled, this was necessary legislation.”

Those interested in more information regarding SSI should contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.