MaineProposed amendment sets Maine supplemental income benefit amounts
The proposed amendment would set benefit amounts for eligible individuals and couples and use an individual budget as a guide for measuring need and future increases.
What it does
If funding is available, an individual’s state supplement would be at least $65 a month under the amendment.
If funding is available, a qualifying couple’s combined benefit would equal 200% of the individual benefit.
The amendment would use an individual’s lower-level budget to measure need and guide future benefit increases, which depend on available funding.
Argument forIf funded, higher monthly payments could help eligible individuals and couples cover basic costs, including people living in care homes.
Argument againstThe amendment sets aside about $23.1 million in each of two years; that spending could leave less state money for other needs.
More detail
The amendment would set a $65 monthly minimum state supplement for an individual who receives federal Supplemental Security Income. This applies to individuals who receive federal Supplemental Security Income. The state supplement is limited by available funds.
The amendment would set a couple’s combined benefit at 200% of the individual benefit when both people qualify. This applies to couples when both people qualify for the state supplement. The state supplement is limited by available funds.
The amendment would use an individual’s lower-level budget as a standard for determining need and as a goal for future benefit increases. The benchmark is the current annual lower-level budget for an individual in Portland, Maine, or a consistent budget that accounts for permitted living arrangements. The budget may account for permitted differences in living arrangements. Annual increases may include an additional percentage recommended by the department only when funding is available. The yearly increase is calculated on July 1 using the April 1 Consumer Price Index comparison. If benefits already meet the budget benchmark, the increase is limited to the rise in that index.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Became Law
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 29Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)Died
- 2025
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- Jun 12On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence
- Jun 11Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Jun 11PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Became Law
- Jun 11In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Jun 11The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-336).Minor
- Jun 11Under suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.
- Jun 11CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAY
- Jun 11Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
- Jun 11Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-336).Minor
- Jun 11Committee Amendment "A" (S-336) READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Jun 11READ ONCE.Minor
- Jun 11Report READ and ACCEPTED.
- Jun 10Reported Out - OTP-AM
- Mar 26Voted - OTP-AM
- Mar 26Work Session Held
- Mar 21CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
- Mar 4In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Mar 4The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.Minor
- Mar 4Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrenceIntroduced
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