House Passes Bill To Restore Dignity of Work for Disabled Americans

The projects allow the SSA to temporarily test changes in program rules designed to encourage beneficiaries who are able and willing to return to the workforce.

Participation is strictly voluntary, and the legislation requires that no participant see a reduction in their total income.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., underscored the urgent need for the bill during floor debate.

“With over 60 percent of Social Security Disability Insurance recipients expressing an interest in returning to the workforce but less than one percent leaving the program because of a successful return to work each year, the Social Security Administration’s complex rules and regulations are clearly failing to deliver for too many Americans,” Smith said.

“Giving the SSA the authority to test innovative ways to better help disabled Americans pursue gainful employment is pure common sense, and this legislation goes a step further to ensure participation in any new system is both voluntary and will not reduce a beneficiary’s total income,” Smith added.

Smith further noted the “gigantic gap” between those who want to work and those who successfully do so under current rules.