High Court Sets Hearing on SSI Benefits for Puerto Ricans

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Nov. 9 regarding whether Puerto Rico residents should be included in the federal Supplemental Security Income program.

• A lower court said the Constitution mandates that the federal government include Puerto Rico in the SSI program, which gives benefits to the elderly, blind and disabled. That could mean a combined $1.8 billion to $2.4 billion annually for qualified Puerto Rico residents over the next 10 years, according to the Social Security Administration
• Nearly 44% of Puerto Ricans live in poverty, according to U.S. Census data
• Hearing will begin at 10a.m. The high ...