ACTION ALERT: ASK CONGRESS TO COSPONSOR THE WORK WITHOUT WORRY ACT ASK CONGRESS TO COSPONSOR THE WORK WITHOUT WORRY ACT (S. 2196) Adults who qualify for Social Security DAC benefits have life-long disabilities (such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability) and often wish to explore their ability to work, particularly as they transition to adult life. However, under current law, some of these young adults fear that if they try to work they will lose future DAC benefits, which are modest and often vital. - If an individual’s parent is receiving Social Security benefits at the time the individual begins working, the individual will still be eligible for DAC benefits in the future, if needed.
- If an individual’s parent is not yet receiving Social Security benefits, work above a certain amount can make them ineligible in the future for DAC benefits, once their parent retires (or otherwise begins receiving Social Security).
The Work Without Worry Act would ensure that young adults with disabilities won’t have to fear that trying to work may jeopardize their future financial security. - This bill promotes financial security by ensuring that any past earnings from work – no matter how much – will not prevent an otherwise eligible individual from receiving a Social Security DAC benefit from their parent’s work history (and the individual’s medical impairment began before age 22).
- If an individual with a severe medical condition that began before age 22 works enough to become insured for Social Security based on their own earnings, they will receive the larger benefit from either their parent’s work history or the benefit from their own work history.
- 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.
- This change is estimated to improve the lives of nearly 6,000 individuals with disabilities over the next 10 years.
We need you to contact your Representatives and Senators to urge them to cosponsor the Work Without Worry Act. Thank you for your advocacy efforts!
The NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team We encourage you to stay engaged in our advocacy efforts by: (1) Registering for NDSC Action Alerts- click "Quick Sign Up"; (2) Subscribing to the NDSC Policy & Advocacy Newsline; (3) Joining our national grassroots advocacy program, the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition and (4) "liking" NDSC on social media. |
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