The "Period PROUD Act of 2025" increases funding for the Social Services Block Grant program, earmarking funds to provide free menstrual products to low-income individuals, and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the program's effectiveness. This bill aims to improve access to menstrual products and reduce financial barriers for those in need.
Sean Casten
Representative
IL-6
The Period PROUD Act of 2025 increases funding for the Social Services Block Grant Program, earmarking $200 million annually from 2026-2029 for providing menstrual products to low-income individuals. States will distribute these funds to eligible entities, who will then provide free products, conduct community outreach, and improve access to menstrual products. The Department of Health and Human Services will evaluate the program's effectiveness and report to Congress. This act ensures that access to menstrual products does not affect eligibility for other federal needs-based programs.
Period PROUD Act of 2025 Earmarks $200M Annually for Free Menstrual Products to Low-Income Individuals
The Period PROUD Act of 2025 tackles period poverty head-on by boosting the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Program. Starting in fiscal year 2025, the bill increases SSBG funding to $1.9 billion annually through 2028, with a significant chunk—$200 million each year—specifically set aside to make menstrual products freely available to those who need them most.
Making 'That Time of the Month' Less of a Financial Burden
This bill directs states to get these funds to local organizations, who will then purchase and distribute menstrual products (like pads, tampons, cups, and period underwear – all meeting industry standards, per SEC. 2.(h)). The goal? To reduce the number of low-income individuals, who might be working multiple jobs or going to school, from having to choose between buying food or buying pads. Think of a single mom working retail who can now redirect the money she was spending on period products towards groceries or a student who no longer has to miss class because they can't afford supplies. This is a direct response to the reality that these products are a necessity, not a luxury, and that lacking them can impact work, education, and overall well-being.
Getting Products to the People
Beyond just handing out supplies, the bill encourages integrating this effort with existing programs that help with other basic needs (SEC. 2.(d)(2)(B)). This means someone visiting a food bank, for example, might also be able to easily access menstrual products at the same time, streamlining the process. It also allows for training and technical assistance (SEC. 2.(d)(2)(C)), ensuring that the people running these programs have the resources they need. There is a cap on administrative costs at 9% of received funds (SEC. 2.(d)(2)(D)), a measure to make sure the money goes primarily to products, not overhead. The bill also makes sure that getting these free products won't mess with anyone's eligibility for other assistance programs like SNAP or WIC (SEC. 2.(e)).
Checking the Receipts
To ensure the program is actually working, the bill requires a thorough evaluation by December 30, 2031 (SEC. 2.(f)(1)), with a report to Congress by March 31, 2032 (SEC. 2.(f)(2)), and published online by April 30, 2032. This is crucial for accountability and to see if the program is truly meeting its goals. Up to $2 million is reserved in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this evaluation (SEC. 2.(b)(2)). The Secretary of Health and Human Services also has to issue guidance on how to implement all of this within 180 days of the bill becoming law, meaning there should be clear rules in place relatively quickly (SEC. 2.(f)(4)). Finally, the funds are protected from sequestration (SEC. 2.(i)), meaning they won't get caught up in broader budget cuts.