Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026

Summary

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.