Bill · H.R. 7213· House(119-HR-7213)
Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/22/2026
- Last activity
- 1/22/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Sponsored by
- Glenn Grothman
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act of 2026" aims to restrict certain Federal assistance benefits to individuals who can verify they are United States citizens or nationals. Under this bill, applicants must provide a written declaration under penalty of perjury and submit documentary evidence alongside a photographic identity document. Citizenship must then be confirmed through the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the SAVE Program. For many household-based benefits, the citizenship of one member can satisfy the requirement for others. The restrictions on eligibility will begin one year after the Act is enacted.
Yes
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+3
The bill restricts eligibility for various federal assistance programs to verified citizens, which may reduce total federal expenditures.
Does this tighten control of the border?+2
The bill strengthens the integration of Department of Homeland Security verification for those receiving federal benefits.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+1
The bill implements specific, standardized procedures for verifying identity and citizenship status.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would immigrants be better off under this?-7
The bill introduces strict documentation and verification mandates that could negatively impact immigrants and their access to federal aid.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-5
The increased documentation and verification requirements may create barriers to accessing assistance for low-income households.
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?-4
The strict citizenship verification requirements may reduce access to essential assistance for those currently qualifying through less stringent means.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Simplified Household Eligibility
- Details: If a benefit is based on eligibility for a child or a household/family unit, the citizenship requirement is met if the individual (such as a parent, legal guardian, or any single member of the household) meets the requirement. (Section (c)(1))
-
Protection of Benefit Continuity
- Details: Once an individual successfully meets the citizenship requirement for a specific benefit, they are treated as still meeting that requirement as long as they remain otherwise eligible for the benefit. (Section (c)(2))
-
Right to Appeal
- Details: The bill requires the head of any federal department or agency administering these programs to provide a process for individuals to appeal determinations made under this Act regarding their ineligibility. (Section (b)(3)(E)-(F))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Strict Verification Burdens
- Details: Individuals must furnish satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship, a photographic identity document, and a social security account number to be verified through the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. (Section (b)(3)(A))
-
Risk of Benefit Loss
- Details: An individual may be notified of their ineligibility and lose access to benefits if they fail to provide the required documentary evidence or if their citizenship is not confirmed by the required agencies. (Section (b)(3)(E))
-
Specific Requirements for Housing Programs
- Details: In programs for supportive housing for the elderly or supportive housing for persons with disabilities, the citizenship requirement must be met specifically by the elderly or disabled individual in the household. (Section (c)(1)(B)(i)-(ii))
-
Penalties for Entities
- Details: Entities that willfully and repeatedly provide benefits to individuals who do not meet the citizenship requirement can be disqualified from furnishing those benefits. (Section (d)(1))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-7Good For Low Income Households-5Good For People With Disabilities-3Good For Seniors-2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2Improves Poverty Reduction-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Lauren BoebertRepublican · Colorado
Nancy MaceRepublican · South Carolina
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama
Scott PerryRepublican · Pennsylvania