This legislation amends the Social Security Act to create special provisions for Purple Heart recipients who receive disability benefits due to an injury for which they were awarded the Purple Heart. It allows these individuals to continue receiving their monthly disability insurance benefits even if their earnings exceed typical limits that would otherwise lead to benefit termination. However, their benefits will be subject to a specific offset: for every $4 earned above a certain threshold, the benefit will be reduced by $1, ensuring the benefit does not fall below zero. A significant change introduced by this bill is the application of a higher Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for these Purple Heart recipients, mirroring the threshold currently used for blind individuals. This provision enables them to earn more income from employment without jeopardizing their disability status or benefits. The amendments outlined in this Act will become effective for benefits payable for months beginning six months after the date of its enactment.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Social Welfare
Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act
USA119th CongressHR-7120| House
| Updated: 1/15/2026
This legislation amends the Social Security Act to create special provisions for Purple Heart recipients who receive disability benefits due to an injury for which they were awarded the Purple Heart. It allows these individuals to continue receiving their monthly disability insurance benefits even if their earnings exceed typical limits that would otherwise lead to benefit termination. However, their benefits will be subject to a specific offset: for every $4 earned above a certain threshold, the benefit will be reduced by $1, ensuring the benefit does not fall below zero. A significant change introduced by this bill is the application of a higher Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for these Purple Heart recipients, mirroring the threshold currently used for blind individuals. This provision enables them to earn more income from employment without jeopardizing their disability status or benefits. The amendments outlined in this Act will become effective for benefits payable for months beginning six months after the date of its enactment.