The House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday to expand Social Security Administration demonstration projects aimed at helping disabled Americans return to work, with the bill advancing 232-188 and now heading to the Senate.
H.R. 8884, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, sponsored by Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., reauthorizes the SSA’s authority to conduct experimental reforms through December 31, 2030. The demonstration projects test changes to program rules designed to encourage beneficiaries to rejoin the workforce on a voluntary basis.
The legislation includes protections ensuring no participant experiences a reduction in total income during participation. Blind Americans would also gain expanded access to the demonstration projects under the measure’s provisions.
The Rationale Behind the Measure
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., highlighted the gap between interest and action among disabled workers. “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.
Current program rules create disincentives to employment through benefit cliffs, overpayment concerns, and confusing eligibility requirements. The SSA previously used demonstration authority to test alternative approaches before implementing permanent policy changes.
Path Forward in Congress
The bill drew bipartisan support in committee and received Democratic votes during House floor debate. The legislation now moves to the Senate Committee on Finance for consideration.
Supporters argue the measure represents a low-cost approach to improving employment outcomes among disabled beneficiaries. The SSA would gain flexibility to design and evaluate projects with reporting requirements ensuring transparency and accountability.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Congressional team contributed to this report.