Dexter sponsors bill to double SSI personal needs allowances for institutionalized recipients

A bill introduced by Rep. Maxine Dexter in the U.S. House would raise monthly personal needs allowances for institutionalized individuals and couples who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, according to the U.S. Congress.

Known as H.R.7573, the legislation was filed Feb. 13, 2026, during the 2026 session of the 119th Congress. The summary below is based on the bill’s text and includes clarifying interpretation of its main points.

The proposal would amend the Social Security Act by increasing the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for institutionalized SSI recipients. For individuals, the benefit would rise from $360 to $720, and for couples, from $720 to $1,440, effective for benefits after Dec. 31, 2025. The bill provides for ongoing cost-of-living adjustments to maintain alignment with inflation and mandates pass-through changes to state supplementary payments beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Rep. Dexter (D-OR-3rd District) was joined by Rep. Mike Carey (R-OR-15th District) as the bill’s co-sponsor.

So far in the current session, Rep. Dexter has sponsored eight additional bills, with one signed into law.

Congressional bills may be introduced in either chamber, except for revenue measures, which must originate in the House. New bills are referred to committees for consideration, hearings, possible amendments and debate. To become law, both chambers must pass identical versions before the president can veto or sign the measure. Congress operates in two-year numbered terms, each divided into annual sessions. Official legislative information is maintained by Congress and published on Congress.gov.

Maxine Dexter serves as a U.S. Representative from Oregon, elected as a Democrat to the 119th Congress. Her prior service includes a term in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2020 to 2024. Dexter earned both her B.A. and M.D. from the University of Washington.

Details in this report are sourced from the U.S. Congress. Further information can be found here.