S. 657 — Retirement Security for American Hostages Act of 2025

This section establishes deemed wages under Title II of the Social Security Act (i.e., Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits) for qualifying U.S. nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, as determined under section 302 of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 1741), or held hostage abroad, as determined by the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell (22 U.S.C. 1741b). For each qualifying month (i.e., months of detention or hostage-holding occurring before retirement age), such individuals are credited with wages equal to 1/12th of the national average wage index for the second calendar year preceding that month, but only if this increases the monthly benefit or lump-sum death payment; requires the Commissioner of Social Security to issue implementing regulations within one year of enactment, including application procedures that require federal agency documentation of the detention or hostage period; makes a conforming amendment to the wage definition; and takes effect 24 months after enactment. (Thus, these individuals receive Social Security credits for lost wages during captivity, maintaining benefit eligibility and amounts comparable to average earners.)