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Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4334| Senate 
| Updated: 4/16/2026
Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan

Republican Senator

Alaska

Cosponsors (1)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026" mandates a 20-year demonstration project under Title II of the Social Security Act, specifically for blind individuals receiving disability benefits. This project aims to encourage employment by altering how their benefits are affected by earned income. For eligible blind individuals, the project makes several key modifications. First, eligibility for disability benefits will no longer consider substantial gainful activity , meaning individuals can earn more without losing their disabled status. Second, benefits will not terminate due to earnings from services, and the traditional trial work period will not apply. Instead, benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above a specified exempt amount and work-related expenses, ensuring benefits are not reduced below zero. This benefit offset mechanism is designed to allow blind individuals to return to work and increase their income while still receiving some level of support. Participants in the project also have the option to opt out after the initial 120-month period.
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Timeline
Feb 10, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-1175
Introduced in House
Apr 16, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 16, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • February 10, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-1175
    Introduced in House


  • April 16, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 16, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Social Welfare

Related Bills

  • HR 119-1175: Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025

Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4334| Senate 
| Updated: 4/16/2026
The "Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026" mandates a 20-year demonstration project under Title II of the Social Security Act, specifically for blind individuals receiving disability benefits. This project aims to encourage employment by altering how their benefits are affected by earned income. For eligible blind individuals, the project makes several key modifications. First, eligibility for disability benefits will no longer consider substantial gainful activity , meaning individuals can earn more without losing their disabled status. Second, benefits will not terminate due to earnings from services, and the traditional trial work period will not apply. Instead, benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above a specified exempt amount and work-related expenses, ensuring benefits are not reduced below zero. This benefit offset mechanism is designed to allow blind individuals to return to work and increase their income while still receiving some level of support. Participants in the project also have the option to opt out after the initial 120-month period.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 10, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-1175
Introduced in House
Apr 16, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 16, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • February 10, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-1175
    Introduced in House


  • April 16, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 16, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan

Republican Senator

Alaska

Cosponsors (1)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)

Finance Committee

Social Welfare

Related Bills

  • HR 119-1175: Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted