Major disparities exist between ssi and TANF/AABD benefits

DISCRIMINATION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FEDERAL PROGRAMS THAT WE DO NOT RECEIVE Our organization, composed of Puerto Ricans aware of the negative effects of economic inequality on society, and understanding that the disadvantages of the majority affect the quality of life of society as a whole, we demand parity for Puerto Rico in federal programs and aid, in order to reduce the economic inequality gaps that have been imposed on us. We do not see federal aid as a gift, as a panacea, or as a substitute for the inescapable work of building our economy; rather, we see parity as a way to begin to repair the poverty that more than a century of disadvantageous relations with the United States has created. We fight to extend to the island the federal services and programs that would mitigate the inequality we suffer. Because reducing poverty gaps benefits us all. Parity is synonymous with social stability, economic growth and justice. More information about our cause here: https://porparidad.org/somos/#mision SSI SNAP MEDICAID MEDICARE PART D LIS MEDICARE PART D LOW INCOME SUBSIDY (LIS) What is the program? Part D of the Medicare program authorizes private insurers to offer federally subsidized drug plans to Medicare beneficiaries. The Low Income Subsidy (LIS) in particular extends this benefit to low-income families in addition to those who normally qualify for Medicare coverage. Who qualifies? Those age 65 and older who are eligible to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. You have received Social Security disability payments for at least 2 years. You receive a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure and must undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant. Children under age 20 with ESRD may qualify if they have at least one parent eligible for Social Security benefits. How much do we receive? $0 Is there a disparity? Yes. U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico are expressly excluded through a statute (42 U.S.C. § 1395w-114(a)(3)(F). How to apply? At this time it is not possible to apply for Puerto Rico residents. FEDERAL PROGRAMS RECEIVED Although Puerto Rico receives the following programs, in many of them the federal contributions are lower than those received by the other states TANF TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program provides financial assistance to individuals and families who lack the financial resources to meet their basic needs and who meet the eligibility requirements established for each category of participation.[1] The six (6) categories of participation in the Program are broken down as follows: Financial assistance for persons 65 years of age or older Financial assistance for persons with a degree of vision of 20/200 or less, certified by a medical specialist. Financial assistance for a maximum of 60 months (consecutive or interrupted) for family members with children from zero (0) months to eighteen (18) years of age where there is a factor of abandonment of one or both parents; or family with both parents, where one of them has total and permanent disability. Financial assistance to persons over 18 years of age, with total and permanent disability. Financial assistance to persons over 18 years of age, whose disability is transitory and total. It also provides assistance to children under 18 years of age with permanent and total disability. Assistance to children from birth to 18 years of age. Minors must reside with and be in the custody of a guardian of legal age, who may not be a family member specified by law. AMOUNT RECEIVED IN PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico may receive federal funds not to exceed $107.3 million to operate TANF; Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD); foster care and adoption programs. As for TANF, Puerto Rico claimed about $71.6 million. This represents the maximum amount established by law for this program.[2] AMOUNT SPENT BY THE UNITED STATES: TANF is a joint federal and state program to support low-income families. States run the program under federal guidelines and targets. The federal portion of the program spent $16.6 billion in FY2020 and $15.4 billion in FY2021.[3] Conclusion: Due to the statutory limit, Puerto Rico receives a total of $71.6 million for the TANF Program.