S. 4334 — Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026

This section establishes a 20-year demonstration project, beginning not later than 180 days after enactment, under which Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits under section 223 are modified for blind individuals (as defined in section 216(i)(1)) who are entitled to such benefits for a month during the first 120 months of the project. (As background, SSDI provides monthly cash benefits to disabled workers and their families; blindness is a qualifying disability with special work incentive rules, including a higher substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold than for other disabilities.) The modifications are as follows: (1) disability determinations under section 223(d)(1)(B) disregard SGA; (2) monthly benefits (after the first month of entitlement) are reduced by $1 for every $2 of earnings exceeding the sum of the exempt amount under section 223(d)(4)(A) and reasonable work expenses (but not below $0); (3) entitlement does not terminate due to earnings; (4) the trial work period under section 222(c) does not apply; and (5) the termination month provisions of section 223(a)(1) do not apply. (Thus, blind SSDI beneficiaries may work indefinitely without losing eligibility, subject only to a benefit offset.) The Commissioner may waive compliance with certain Title II benefit requirements and section 1148 as needed to conduct the project, and eligible individuals may opt out after the initial 120-month period.