Social Security: Proposed Changes to the Earnings Test


 

Publication Date: June 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Labor

Type:

Abstract:

On April 7, 2000, President Clinton signed H.R. 5, the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act. The new law (P.L. 106-182) eliminated the Social Security earnings test -- which reduces the benefits of recipients who work and earn more than a specified amount -- for recipients between the "full retirement age" (currently age 65 and two months) and age 70, effective January 1, 2000. In the 108th Congress, Representatives Shaw and Sessions have introduced bills (H.R. 75 and H.R. 2311, respectively) that would eliminate the earnings test for recipients age 62 and older. This report will be updated periodically.