S. 4334 · 119th Congress
Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026
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SullivanSponsor1 cosponsor · 1 D
1 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
This bill establishes a demonstration project during which a blind worker’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are reduced, rather than terminated, when the worker’s income exceeds a specified threshold.
What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in Senate · Apr 16, 2026
Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026
This bill establishes a demonstration project during which a blind worker’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are reduced, rather than terminated, when the worker’s income exceeds a specified threshold.
Under current law, only individuals who earn under a specified monthly income, known as the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold, are considered disabled and thereby eligible for SSDI benefits. For blind workers, this limit is $2,830 per month in 2026. SSDI beneficiaries may earn beyond the SGA threshold for a limited period, known as the trial work period, before their benefits are suspended and ultimately terminate.
The bill establishes a 20-year demonstration project during which individuals who are entitled to SSDI benefits because they are blind and who earn above the SGA threshold continue to receive benefits at an amount that is gradually reduced commensurate with their earnings above a specified amount.
During this period, a blind worker's SSDI benefits must be reduced by $1 for every $2 that the worker earns above the sum of (1) the SGA threshold, and (2) the worker’s expenses reasonably attributable to their work. The SGA threshold may not be used to determine whether an individual is disabled during this period, and blind workers’ SSDI benefits may not be terminated due to work-related earnings. The trial work period also must not apply.
After 10 years, blind SSDI beneficiaries may opt out of the modified benefits structure.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026
Latest action (Apr 16, 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Policy area: Social Welfare · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Apr 16, 2026
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.