Court Opinion

ID: 9464859
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 23:44:55.008251+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:38:51.359366
License: Public Domain

GOODWIN, Circuit Judge,
concurring and dissenting:
I agree with the majority that Congress did not intend SSI to replace state support for inmates of state institutions. I do not agree, however, that Congress intended to deny SSI to persons otherwise eligible in state institutions when they or their families were legally liable to the state for their support. When the person’s estate or family is billed for his support, the state does not “furnish” it within the meaning of 20 C.F.R. § 416.231(b)(1). Rather, the state has simply acted as a conduit for support the estate or family has furnished. Such a person does not meet the definition of an inmate of an institution, and therefore remains eligible for SSI benefits to the extent of his estate’s or family’s liability.
I would remand the case to the district court, with instructions to grant relief to any AVRC resident who can show that the state is holding him or his family legally liable for his support.