Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed by a voice vote the SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act. This act, if passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, would extend the period of time in which elderly and disabled refugees, asylees and some other humanitarian immigrants would be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federally sponsored income supplement program that provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter to elderly, blind and disabled persons.

Currently, eligible immigrants are eligible for SSI benefits for a total period of seven years; this proposed act would extend that period of eligibility to nine years between Fiscal Years 2008-2010.