Social Security Disability Insurance reformed under proposed Hill measure

Legislation sponsored on Nov. 15 by U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) aims to bolster Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and ensure the program can effectively support future generations.

The SSDI Return to Work Act, H.R. 6428, would help individuals receiving disability insurance benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act obtain rehabilitative services and return to the workforce, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“Since entering Congress, I have been a strong advocate for strengthening SSDI to keep it financially secure for those who need the benefits and to incentivize those who don’t to return to work,” Rep. Hill said.

Specifically, H.R. 6428 would require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to establish new disability classifications that would determine a beneficiary’s likelihood of medically improving, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Hill’s staff.

If the SSDI beneficiary has a chance of medically improving, the bill would require the SSA to conduct continuing reviews to determine the beneficiary’s need to continue receiving SSDI benefits, the summary says.

“Every American and Arkansan has the capacity to productively contribute to their community and support our economy,” said Rep. Hill. “My bill jumpstarts that by encouraging capable beneficiaries to regain their independence.”

Additionally, H.R. 6428 would require the SSA Commissioner to advertise the Ticket to Work Program to SSDI beneficiaries at the time they are awarded benefits and every six months thereafter.

The bill also would amend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include qualified SSDI beneficiaries, states the summary. WOTC is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals meeting certain criteria.

The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.