Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025
Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025 **What the bill does:** This bill would create a 20-year test program allowing blind people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to keep working and earn more money without losing all their benefits. Currently, blind workers can only earn up to $2,700 per month before their disability benefits are completely cut off. Under this bill, instead of losing benefits entirely, blind workers who earn more than this threshold would have their benefits gradually reduced based on how much they earn—meaning they could keep some benefits while working more. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects blind Americans who receive SSDI benefits and want to work.
It could help them pursue jobs and earn income without facing the current "cliff" where earning slightly above the limit results in losing all benefits. The Social Security Administration would run and oversee the demonstration project. **Current status:** The bill (HR 1175) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025This bill requires the Social Security Administration to carry out a demonstration project during which blind Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries receive reduced benefits commensurate with income above certain thresholds.Under current law, only individuals who earn under a specified monthly income, known as the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold, are considered disabled and thereby eligible for SSDI benefits. For blind workers, this limit is $2,700 per month in 2025. SSDI beneficiaries may earn beyond the SGA threshold for a limited period of time, known as the trial work period, before their benefits are suspended and ultimately terminate.The bill establishes a 20-year demonstration project during which individuals who are entitled to SSDI benefits by reason of blindness and who earn above the SGA threshold continue to receive benefits at an amount gradually reduced commensurate with their earnings beyond a specified amount.During this period, blind workers’ SSDI benefits must be reduced by $1 for every $2 that a worker earns above the sum of (1) the SGA threshold, and (2) the worker’s expenses reasonably attributable to their work. The SGA threshold may not be used to determine whether an individual is disabled during this period, and blind workers’ SSDI benefits may not be terminated due to work-related earnings. The trial work period also must not apply. After 10 years, affected beneficiaries may opt out of the modified benefits structure.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.