Walorski Introduces Bill to End Penalty on Working Seniors

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) has reintroduced the Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act, legislation to end a penalty on seniors who continue working after claiming Social Security benefits. The Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act would eliminate a penalty on Social Security Old-Age (OASI) beneficiaries who choose to enter, remain in, or return to the labor force. Specifically, the bill would eliminate the Retirement Earnings Test (RET) that affects younger seniors who choose to continue working after claiming Social Security benefits.In 2000, Congress eliminated the RET for those who are at or above their full retirement age. This bill would build on that reform by eliminating the earnings penalty for all Social Security OASI beneficiaries.