WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, cosponsored bipartisan legislation to remove a Social Security work disincentive for Americans with disabilities. The Work Without Worry Act would help ensure that more Americans with disabilities are able to work without losing out on Social Security benefits.

“It does not make sense that American workers with disabilities are often at risk of losing Social Security benefits, creating a senseless work disincentive by the government,” Senator Hassan said. “This bill will cut red tape and allow workers with disabilities to gain the financial security that they need. I will continue working to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in society.”

“Government should encourage work. Americans with disabilities deserve the freedom to work without worry to secure their own financial future,” said Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

“Americans with disabilities can and do want to work. However, currently Social Security’s Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit disincentives our people from participating as workers in our nation’s economy by eliminating the DAC benefit under certain conditions when people with disabilities do find employment,” said Lisa D. Beaudoin, Executive Director of ABLE NH. “The current policy is tantamount to punishing our community for trying to achieve the dignity of being taxpaying citizens. ABLE NH is very grateful to Senator Hassan for her continued championing of fair, fiscally responsible policies like the Work Without Worry Act which advances the inclusion of people with disabilities into the middle of American life by protecting them from unfair Social Security penalties when they enter the workforce.”

If an adult has a severe medical condition that began before age 22, they may be eligible for a Social Security benefit called the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit. Their benefits are based on their parent’s Social Security earnings, in the same way that benefits of a child under age 18 would be. However, under current law some of these young adults fear that if they try to work they will lose future DAC benefits, which are often higher than any benefit they may qualify on their own. This fear inhibits the ability of Americans with disabilities to explore their ability to work as they transition to adult life.

The Work Without Worry Act promotes financial security by ensuring that any earnings from work – no matter how much – will not prevent an individual from receiving a Social Security DAC benefit from their parent’s work history if they have an eligible medical condition that began before age 22. This bill treats all individuals with severe medical conditions that began before age 22 the same – no matter when their parents claim Social Security benefits.

Hassan is committed to ensuring that Americans with disabilities can be fully included in their community. In February, Senator Hassan led colleagues in introducing a bill to restore full funding for educational and early-intervention services for children who experience disabilities. Senator Hassan successfully secured nearly $3 billion in dedicated federal funding to support students with disabilities in the American Rescue Plan.

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