H.R. 1175: Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025, aims to create a demonstration project to support blind individuals who receive disability benefits under the Social Security Act. The key features of the bill are as follows:

Project Duration and Scope

The demonstration project will last for 20 years, starting no later than 180 days after the bill is enacted. It is designed specifically for individuals who are blind and currently eligible for disability benefits under Social Security.

Modification of Disability Benefits

Key modifications to disability benefits under the project include:

• Eligibility Assessment: When assessing whether a blind individual is disabled, the evaluation will not consider the individual's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
• Benefit Reduction: If a participant earns income, their disability benefit will be reduced by $1 for every $2 they earn above a specified threshold, which includes an exempt amount and reasonable expenses related to earning that income.
• Continuous Entitlement: A participant's entitlement to benefits will not end due to their earnings from work.
• Trial Work Period Exemption: Participants can work without having their benefits affected by the current trial work period limits.

Compliance Flexibility

The Commissioner of Social Security has the authority to waive certain compliance requirements for the demonstration project to facilitate its implementation successfully.

Opt-Out Provision

Participants in the demonstration project will have the option to opt out after the first 10 years if they choose to do so.

Relevant Companies

None found