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Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

7/22/2026, 4:45 PM

Summary of Bill S 4947

This bill aims to amend title II of the Social Security Act in order to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program.

Congressional Summary of S 4947

Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

This bill reauthorizes through 2031 the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) authority to carry out demonstration projects within the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The bill also imposes requirements related to beneficiary income, project funding, and SSA reporting.

SSDI demonstration projects must be designed to promote attachment to the workforce and generally involve temporary changes to SSDI policies tested on a subset of beneficiaries. Participation in a demonstration project must be voluntary. SSA’s authority to carry out these projects expired on December 31, 2022.

Under the bill, SSA must ensure that an individual’s participation in a demonstration project does not reduce their total income. Further, the bill specifies that administrative expenses related to demonstration projects must be paid from funds appropriated for administration.

Finally, the bill requires SSA to report to Congress 120 days before initiating a demonstration project. This is an increase from 90 days under current law. This advance notification must include evaluation metrics for the relevant project.

Current Status of Bill S 4947

Bill S 4947 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 13, 2026. Bill S 4947 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on July 13, 2026.  Bill S 4947's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of July 13, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 4947

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 4947

Primary Policy Focus

Social Welfare

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 4947

A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program.
A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program.

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