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To amend title II of the Social Security Act to require the Commissioner of Social Security to carry out a demonstration project relating to disability benefits of blind individuals.
3/5/2025, 9:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1175
The purpose of this project is to explore ways to improve the disability benefits system for blind individuals and ensure that they are receiving the support they need. By conducting this demonstration project, the Commissioner of Social Security will be able to gather valuable data and insights that can be used to make informed decisions about how to best serve this population.
Overall, the Blind Individuals Demonstration Project Act is a step towards ensuring that blind individuals have access to the resources and support they need to live fulfilling and independent lives. This bill highlights the importance of addressing the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Congressional Summary of HR 1175
Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025
This bill requires the Social Security Administration to carry out a demonstration project during which blind Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries receive reduced benefits commensurate with income above certain thresholds.
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 $2,700 per month in 2025. SSDI beneficiaries may earn beyond the SGA threshold for a limited period of time, 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 by reason of blindness and who earn above the SGA threshold continue to receive benefits at an amount gradually reduced commensurate with their earnings beyond a specified amount.
During this period, blind workers’ SSDI benefits must be reduced by $1 for every $2 that a 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, affected beneficiaries may opt out of the modified benefits structure.
