Ukrainians Eligible for SSI: A Breakthrough with the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations

The "Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022" was signed into law on May 21, 2022, becoming Public Law 117-128. This law has provisions that are of interest to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

According to Title IV, Section 401 of this law, citizens of Ukraine, nationals of Ukraine, or individuals who last habitually resided in Ukraine are eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they are paroled into the United States between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023.

Additionally, the spouses or children of a person from Ukraine who was paroled during this time and the parents, legal guardians, or primary caregivers of an unaccompanied minor from Ukraine who was paroled during this time are also eligible for SSI.

To be eligible for SSI benefits, these individuals must meet all other requirements of the program, such as being at least 65 years old or disabled or blind, and having income and resources below the program’s limits.

The eligibility for SSI benefits ends if the parole status is terminated by the Department of Homeland Security or 7 years after attaining the parole status.

This law also requires the SSA to not count the income and resources of the sponsor in determining the SSI eligibility and benefit amounts.

This is to ensure that these individuals can receive the benefits they are eligible for without the sponsor’s financial status affecting their eligibility.

In conclusion, the "Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022" offers a much-needed lifeline to citizens of Ukraine, nationals of Ukraine, and individuals who last habitually resided in Ukraine by providing them with the opportunity to receive SSI benefits if they are paroled into the United States.

Sources: Social Security Legislative Bulletin. (2022, June 8). President Signs H.R. 7691, the “Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022”. Social Security Administration.

Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/legis_bulletin_052122.html