TABLE OF CONTENTS



INTRODUCTION...............................................1

CHAPTER I.  PROGRAM BACKGROUND AND THE EXPERTS'
            FINDINGS AND PRIORITIES

   Program Background......................................5
   Project Activities.....................................14
   The Experts' Findings and Priorities...................14
   Other Considerations...................................21

CHAPTER II.  BENEFIT PAYMENT ISSUES--INCLUDING
             PROPOSED INCREASES IN THE FEDERAL INCOME
             FLOOR

   Preamble to Chapter....................................23
   Benefit Adequacy.......................................24
   Couples................................................27
   State Supplementation with an Increased
      Federal Benefit Standard............................31
   Payment Limits for People in Institutions..............35
   Accounting Periods.....................................38
   Options Preferred by a Majority of Experts.............43
      (Summary and Cost Estimates)

   Appendix:  Other Federal Programs' Standards
              in Relation to the Poverty  Guideline.......50

CHAPTER III.  NEEDS-BASED ISSUES--INCLUDING THE
              ELIMINATION OF IN-KIND SUPPORT AND
              MAINTENANCE AND RAISING THE RESOURCES
              LIMITS WHILE STREAMLINING THE EXCLUSIONS

   Preamble to Chapter....................................53
   Income.................................................54
   In-kind Support and Maintenance........................62
   Resources..............................................66
   Options Preferred by a Majority of Experts.............75
      (Summary and Cost Estimates)

CHAPTER IV.  DISABILITY & WORK INCENTIVES

   Preamble to Chapter....................................81
   Disability.............................................83
   Work Incentives........................................93
   Summary of Options Preferred by a
      Majority of Experts................................100
   Cost Estimates on Options Preferred by a
      Majority of Experts................................104

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CHAPTER IV.  DISABILITY & WORK INCENTIVES, cont.

   Appendix  i:  SSI Disability Allowance Rates..........112
   Appendix ii:  Definition of Disability................113

CHAPTER V.  DEFINITION OF "AGED" ISSUE

   Preamble to Chapter...................................121
   Lowering the Age Limit for "Aged" Benefits............121
   Option Preferred by a Majority of Experts.............124
      (Summary and Cost Estimates)

CHAPTER VI.  AGENCY SERVICES ISSUES--INCLUDING
             ADDITIONAL STAFFING TO FULFILL THE
             PROMISE TO SERVE THE NEEDY

   Preamble to Chapter...................................125
   Staffing..............................................125
   Funding for Outreach Activities.......................130
   Information and Referral..............................132
   Helping the Homeless..................................135
   Representative Payment................................140
   Options Preferred by a Majority of Experts............145
      (Summary and Cost Estimates)

CHAPTER VII.  LINKAGE OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY
              INCOME PROGRAM TO MEDICAID AND THE FOOD
              STAMP PROGRAM

   Preamble to Chapter...................................151
   Linkage of Supplemental Security
      Income Program and the Medicaid Program............151
   Linkage of the Supplemental Security
      Income Program and the Food Stamp Program..........153
   Options Preferred by a Majority of Experts............157
      (Summary and Cost Estimates)

CHAPTER VIII.  PROGRAM REVIEW ISSUES

   Preamble to Chapter...................................159
   An Advisory Council Level of Review...................160
   Option Preferred by a Majority of Experts.............163
      (Summary and Cost Estimates)

ADDITIONAL VIEWS.........................................165

SUMMARY OF OPTIONS PREFERRED BY A MAJORITY OF
   EXPERTS WITH COST ESTIMATES...........................173



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