Walorski’s bill would end earnings penalty for all working Social Security beneficiaries

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) recently sponsored legislation that would end penalties against America’s senior citizens on Social Security who continue to work.

“Any older American who wants to keep working after taking Social Security shouldn’t have their benefits reduced or delayed,” Rep. Walorski said. “Eliminating this unnecessary penalty on seniors in the workforce is a simple but important reform and it’s just common sense.”

Rep. Walorski on May 10 introduced the Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act, H.R. 2663, which she said “will help working seniors and simplify Social Security for those who depend on it.”

Specifically, H.R. 2663 would amend the Social Security Act to repeal the retirement earnings test (RET) penalty that impacts younger seniors who continue working after taking Social Security benefits. Congress in 2000 had eliminated the RET for Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund beneficiaries that are at or above their full retirement age and who choose to enter, remain in or return to the nation’s labor force.

If enacted, H.R. 2663 essentially would build on that reform and would eliminate the RET earnings penalty for all Social Security OASI beneficiaries, according to Rep. Walorski.

H.R. 2663 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.