WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) and Representative Andy Kim (NJ-03) today introduced the Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act to ensure that combat-disabled veterans are not penalized for re-entering the workforce.

“Veterans should be able to freely work in the country that they sacrificed to protect without losing the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits that they are entitled to,” Rep. Scott said. “This legislation ensures that our combat-disabled veterans do not have to choose between returning to the workforce or keeping their benefits.”

“Too many veterans face barriers accessing the benefits they deserve. We must do better on our promise to have our servicemembers’ backs and do more to support their continued success after they return home,” said Rep. Kim. “I am proud to help introduce bipartisan legislation that would promote combat-disabled veterans’ participation and success in the workforce without them having to worry about losing their Social Security disability benefits. With an increased income threshold, they would be able to more freely pursue the careers and the well-rounded lives they want in our communities.”

Currently, combat-disabled veterans who earn an income in excess of $1,470 per month lose 100% of their SSDI for being actively engaged in the workforce. This unacceptably low limit deters workforce participation and disincentivizes injured veterans from pursuing jobs, promotions, or working overtime.

The Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act would raise the current monthly disability benefit for combat-disabled veterans from $1,470 per month to $2,460 per month, the statutorily allowed maximum level.

Additionally, it would ensure combat-disabled veterans retain their SSDI benefits in cases when earned income exceeds the new threshold. The bill introduces a 4 to 1 offset, eliminating the SSDI benefits cliff by gradually reducing benefits only after a veteran’s salary rises above $2,460 per month.

Original cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Don Bacon (NE-02), Buddy Carter (GA-01), John Carter (TX-31), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Veronica Escobar (TX -16), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), David Scott (GA-13), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Michael Waltz (FL-06), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Steve Womack (AR-03), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01).

The full text of this legislation can be found here.

###