Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

Improvements to Social Security Act Title II and Title XVI for people with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income program issues, provisions dealing with persons with disabilities. Social Security Disability program issues, provisions dealing with persons with disabilities. S.1234/H.R.2540 - SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act S.4947/H.R.8884 - Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act S.5006 - Work Without Worry Act of 2026 S.3924 - We Cant Wait Act H.R.1389 - Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act S.4001/H.R.7828 - SSI Restoration Act S. 5428 - Stop the Wait Act of 2026

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA)

Older Americans Act Reauthorization. The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act (S. 2120): Proposals to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 and to increase the authorization of appropriations for OAA programs, which is the major federal discretionary funding source for home and community-based services for older adults and their caregivers. Programs supported through the OAA include home-delivered and congregate nutrition services, in-home supportive services, transportation, caregiver support, community service employment, health and wellness programs, the long-term care ombudsman program, services to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults, and other supportive services. Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The Fair COLA for Seniors Act (No bill) and the Social Security Cost of Living Increase Act (No bill): Proposals to adopt the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) for the purpose of determining COLAs for Social Security beneficiaries; the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act (S. 3059/H.R. 5841): Proposal to calculate COLAs using the current Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) or the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), whichever is greater. Social Security Expansion. The Social Security 2100 Act (H.R. 9519/S. 5042): Proposals to improve benefits and to strengthen Social Security's financing by altering the payroll tax cap, among other changes. The Social Security Expansion Act (S. 770 and H.R. 1700): Proposals to enhance Social Security benefits and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program. The Strengthening Social Security Act (H.R. 9296): Proposals to extend the solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds and improve benefits. The Safeguarding American Families & Expanding Social Security Act (S. 3462 and H.R. 9415): Proposals to update and modernize Social Security benefits and to extend solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds. The Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act (S. 2614 and H.R. 4968): Proposals to adopt the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) for the purpose of determining COLAs for Social Security beneficiaries and to ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program by altering the payroll tax cap. The Protecting Our Widows and Widowers in Retirement Act (No bill): Proposals to improve benefits for widows and widowers in two-income households. The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment Act (SWIFT Act) (S. 3255/H.R. 9763): Proposal to increase survivors benefits for disabled widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses; Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act (H.R. 3517): Proposal would improve Social Security benefits by increasing the Special Minimum Benefit, boosting benefits for seniors who have on the Social Security rolls for a long period of time, restore student benefits to age 26 and extend the life of the Trust Funds by eliminating the cap on Social Security benefits and phasing-in an increase in the payroll tax rate. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act (H.R. 6424/S. 3357): Proposal to increase the lump-sum benefit amount payable upon the death of a beneficiary to take into account inflation. Social Security Funding. The Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act (H.R. 3271/S. 1690): Proposals to close the loophole for wealthy individuals who bypass paying the net investment income tax (NIIT) and directing the revenue to the Social Security Trust Funds and to the Hospital Insurance Fund, which pays for Medicare Part A that covers inpatient care in hospitals. Cutting Social Security by Raising the Retirement Age. Affirming the Presidents Promise Not to Raise the Social Security and Medicare Retirement Age (H. Res. 657): House Resolution opposing raising Social Security or Medicare eligibility age. Caregiver Social Security Credits. The Social Security Caregiver Credits Act (S. 4396/H.R. 8490): Proposal to provide Social Security wage credits for individuals who reduce their participation in the workforce or leave the workforce to provide care to specified family members and relatives. Social Security Notch. (No bill): Proposals to ensure that Social Security benefits for individuals born in 1960 and 1961 are not reduced as a result of the coronavirus-related drop in the average wage index. Protecting Seniors from Garnishment. Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026 (S. 5456/H.R. 3967), Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act (S. 5532/H.R. 10557): Proposals to protect Social Security beneficiaries from having their Social Security benefits garnished to recover unpaid student loans. Social Security Disability Insurance Claim Adjudication. (No bill): Proposal to nullify the rule finalized by the Social Security Administration on November 16, 2020, that outlines when its administrative appeals judges may hold hearings and issue decisions on individual cases. Currently, these judges serve an appellate function where they review, at the request of Social Security claimants, the decisions of the administrative law judges who issue decisions in individual cases. Social Security Overpayments. (H.R. 2999, H.R. 2142 and S. 1023): Proposals to protect retirees, survivors and people with disabilities from being forced to repay extra Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits they received through no fault of their own. Strengthening Beneficiaries Rights. (No bill): Various proposals relating to the protection and rights available to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. Social Security Benefit Statements. The Know Your Social Security Act (No bill): Proposal to implement section 1143 of the Social Security Act by clarifying the Social Security Administration is required to mail annual benefit statements to all workers over age 25. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. The Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act (S. 4001/H.R. 7828): Proposals to strengthen and restore the SSI program. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (H.R. 2540/S. 1234): Proposal to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to update the resource limit for Supplemental Security Income eligibility. The Fairness in Social Security Act (No bill): Proposal to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude the portion of a lump-sum Social Security benefit payment that relates to periods prior to the taxable year from the determination of household income as it relates to SSI eligibility. Retirement Plan Distribution: IRS Notice relating to Use of an Electronic Medium to Make Participant Elections and Spousal Consents (RIN 1545-Bq50). House Committee on Aging. (H. Res. 1013): A Resolution amending the Rules of the House to reestablish a Permanent Select Committee on Aging. Retirement Plan Fiduciary Rule: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Office of Regulations and Interpretations - RIN 1210-AC02; Application No. D-12057; Application No. D-12060. The Department of Labor proposed regulation to modernize the fiduciary rule to strengthen protections for retirement investors who seek professional investment advice. (No bill): Congressional reversal of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary". Retirement Plan Investment Alternatives: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, RIN 1210-AC38. Submitted comments opposing a proposed regulation defining Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives in 401(k) and other defined contribution plans. Proposal would create safe harbors for fiduciaries who select the investment options offered in 401(k) plans. If a fiduciary considers six factors when selecting any investment option, including alternative assets such as private equity, private credit, real estate, or cryptocurrency to a plan menu, the proposal would treat the fiduciary as meeting ERISAs prudence standard with respect to those factors, which would entitle the fiduciary to deference from any reviewing court. Pensions: The ERISA Litigation Reform Act (H.R. 6084). A bill that would undermine ERISAs ability to protect retirement plan participants hard-earned retirement income under the erroneous notion that the recent unanimous Supreme Court decision in Cunningham v. Cornell University will lead to a tide of ERISA class action litigation. Social Security Administration. Keep Billionaires Out of Our Social Security Act (S. 2763), Hands Off Our Social Security Act (H.R. 4734), Repairing Social Security after DOGE (H.R. 6237). Proposals to reverse cuts the Trump Administration has made to the Social Security Administration (SSA), prevents Social Security field offices from shutting down, makes it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for the benefits they have earned over the phone, provides the resources the SSA needs to approve earned benefits quickly, protects benefits from unauthorized tampering, delays or changes, blocks privatization of SSA, enforces privacy protections for beneficiary data, and requires annual Government Accountability Office audits on staffing, operations and compliance. Social Security Administration. Letter to Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano opposing enhanced identity verification procedures for beneficiary transactions with SSA that will make it difficult, if not impossible, for many older Americans and members of the disability community to access their earned benefits. Social Security Administration. Resolution of Inquiry by Representative John Larson (H. Res. 195): Requesting information be provided to Congress regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys (DOGE) access to the Social Security Administrations computer data, which compromises beneficiary privacy by allowing access to Americans personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking information, earnings history and medical information. Social Security Administration. Keep Our Field Offices Open Act (H.R. 1876): Proposals to suspend Social Security field office closures until January 21, 2029, after which date the Commissioner of Social Security would be required to submit a detailed report to Congress, laying out and justifying a process for closing, consolidating, or reducing access to field offices; bill also requires the Commissioner to maintain the total number of field offices and hearing offices that were in operation on January 20, 2025, after the moratorium ends and requires that, in considering future office closures, the Commissioner must consider potential transportation and communication barriers for individuals served by the office, provide significant advance notice to the public and members of Congress, and ensure opportunities for public input and appeals. Social Security Administration. Protecting Americans Social Security Data Act (H.R. 1877): Proposals to protect Americans from having their sensitive personal information politicized or bought and sold to the highest bidder by preventing Elon Musk, his associates, and political appointees from accessing sensitive data systems at SSA, codifying SSA data privacy requirements into law and strengthening oversight and civil penalties for any privacy and disclosure violations of Social Security beneficiaries personal information. Social Security Administration. The Improving Social Securitys Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (S. 1666/H.R. 5345): Proposal to improve Social Security's service to victims of identity theft by requiring the Social Security Administration to provide a single point of contact for any individual whose Social Security account number has been misused. Social Security Administration. Comments on Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations, Docket No. SSA-2021-0014; Comments on Expanding the Rental Subsidy, Docket No. SSA-2023-0010; Comments on Intermediate Improvement to the Disability Adjudication Process Including How We Consider Past Work, Docket No. SSA-2023-0024; Comments on Rulemaking Expanding the Definition of a Public Assistance Household, Docket No. SSA-2023-0015; Comments on strengthening rule regarding the Use of Electronic Payroll Data to Improve Program Administration, Docket No. SSA-2016-0039. Social Security Administration. Comments submitted regarding Social Security Form SSA-827 proposal (Medical Record Collection Process) and the Disability Applicant Evidence Simplification Act (DAESA) draft. Social Security Administration. The creation of an online application for all SSI applicants, streamlining data collection to more effectively obtain treating source evidence, eliminating the reconsideration level of review, updating outdated occupational information, adding a robust online scheduling tool and ensuring comprehensive customer service for all individuals. Social Security Administration. Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act (H.R. 8884/S. 4947). Proposals to reauthorize SSA demonstration projects intended to help Americans with disabilities re-enter the workforce, but this legislation does not include guardrails to prevent the Trump Administration from forcing our most vulnerable citizens off the disability roles. In light of this Administrations previous efforts to eviscerate the disability program (SSDI) through the mechanism of demonstration projects, budget proposals and regulatory changes, such guardrails are essential. Womens Retirement Security. The Womens Retirement Protection Act (S. 988/H.R. 2023): Proposal to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide for greater spousal protection under defined contribution plans. Food Security for Seniors. Farm bill reauthorization (American Relief Act, P.L. 118-158, Division D) and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567): Proposals to cut future Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other harmful policies that would worsen the problem of hunger for Americas older adults and other food insecure individuals.

Client expense: $190,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Administration on Aging, Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Treasury, Dept of

Older Americans Act Reauthorization. The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act (S. 2120): Proposals to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 and to increase the authorization of appropriations for OAA programs, which is the major federal discretionary funding source for home and community-based services for older adults and their caregivers. Programs supported through the OAA include home-delivered and congregate nutrition services, in-home supportive services, transportation, caregiver support, community service employment, health and wellness programs, the long-term care ombudsman program, services to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults, and other supportive services. Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The Fair COLA for Seniors Act (No bill) and the Social Security Cost of Living Increase Act (No bill): Proposals to adopt the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) for the purpose of determining COLAs for Social Security beneficiaries; the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act (S. 3059/H.R. 5841): Proposal to calculate COLAs using the current Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) or the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), whichever is greater. Social Security Expansion. The Social Security 2100 Act (H.R. 9519/S. 5042): Proposals to improve benefits and to strengthen Social Security's financing by altering the payroll tax cap, among other changes. The Social Security Expansion Act (S. 770 and H.R. 1700): Proposals to enhance Social Security benefits and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program. The Strengthening Social Security Act (H.R. 9296): Proposals to extend the solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds and improve benefits. The Safeguarding American Families & Expanding Social Security Act (S. 3462 and H.R. 9415): Proposals to update and modernize Social Security benefits and to extend solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds. The Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act (S. 2614 and H.R. 4968): Proposals to adopt the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) for the purpose of determining COLAs for Social Security beneficiaries and to ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program by altering the payroll tax cap. The Protecting Our Widows and Widowers in Retirement Act (No bill): Proposals to improve benefits for widows and widowers in two-income households. The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment Act (SWIFT Act) (S. 3255/H.R. 9763): Proposal to increase survivors benefits for disabled widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses; Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act (H.R. 3517): Proposal would improve Social Security benefits by increasing the Special Minimum Benefit, boosting benefits for seniors who have on the Social Security rolls for a long period of time, restore student benefits to age 26 and extend the life of the Trust Funds by eliminating the cap on Social Security benefits and phasing-in an increase in the payroll tax rate. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act (H.R. 6424/S. 3357): Proposal to increase the lump-sum benefit amount payable upon the death of a beneficiary to take into account inflation. Social Security Funding. The Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act (H.R. 3271/S. 1690): Proposals to close the loophole for wealthy individuals who bypass paying the net investment income tax (NIIT) and directing the revenue to the Social Security Trust Funds and to the Hospital Insurance Fund, which pays for Medicare Part A that covers inpatient care in hospitals. Cutting Social Security by Raising the Retirement Age. Affirming the Presidents Promise Not to Raise the Social Security and Medicare Retirement Age (H. Res. 657): House Resolution opposing raising Social Security or Medicare eligibility age. Caregiver Social Security Credits. The Social Security Caregiver Credits Act (S. 4396/H.R. 8490): Proposal to provide Social Security wage credits for individuals who reduce their participation in the workforce or leave the workforce to provide care to specified family members and relatives. Social Security Notch. (No bill): Proposals to ensure that Social Security benefits for individuals born in 1960 and 1961 are not reduced as a result of the coronavirus-related drop in the average wage index. Protecting Seniors from Garnishment. Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026 (S. 5456/H.R. 3967), Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act (S. 5532/H.R. 10557): Proposals to protect Social Security beneficiaries from having their Social Security benefits garnished to recover unpaid student loans. Social Security Disability Insurance Claim Adjudication. (No bill): Proposal to nullify the rule finalized by the Social Security Administration on November 16, 2020, that outlines when its administrative appeals judges may hold hearings and issue decisions on individual cases. Currently, these judges serve an appellate function where they review, at the request of Social Security claimants, the decisions of the administrative law judges who issue decisions in individual cases. Social Security Overpayments. (H.R. 2999, H.R. 2142 and S. 1023): Proposals to protect retirees, survivors and people with disabilities from being forced to repay extra Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits they received through no fault of their own. Strengthening Beneficiaries Rights. (No bill): Various proposals relating to the protection and rights available to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. Social Security Benefit Statements. The Know Your Social Security Act (No bill): Proposal to implement section 1143 of the Social Security Act by clarifying the Social Security Administration is required to mail annual benefit statements to all workers over age 25. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. The Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act (S. 4001/H.R. 7828): Proposals to strengthen and restore the SSI program. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (H.R. 2540/S. 1234): Proposal to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to update the resource limit for Supplemental Security Income eligibility. The Fairness in Social Security Act (No bill): Proposal to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude the portion of a lump-sum Social Security benefit payment that relates to periods prior to the taxable year from the determination of household income as it relates to SSI eligibility. Retirement Plan Distribution: IRS Notice relating to Use of an Electronic Medium to Make Participant Elections and Spousal Consents (RIN 1545-Bq50). House Committee on Aging. (H. Res. 1013): A Resolution amending the Rules of the House to reestablish a Permanent Select Committee on Aging. Retirement Plan Fiduciary Rule: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Office of Regulations and Interpretations - RIN 1210-AC02; Application No. D-12057; Application No. D-12060. The Department of Labor proposed regulation to modernize the fiduciary rule to strengthen protections for retirement investors who seek professional investment advice. (No bill): Congressional reversal of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary". Retirement Plan Investment Alternatives: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, RIN 1210-AC38. Submitted comments opposing a proposed regulation defining Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives in 401(k) and other defined contribution plans. Proposal would create safe harbors for fiduciaries who select the investment options offered in 401(k) plans. If a fiduciary considers six factors when selecting any investment option, including alternative assets such as private equity, private credit, real estate, or cryptocurrency to a plan menu, the proposal would treat the fiduciary as meeting ERISAs prudence standard with respect to those factors, which would entitle the fiduciary to deference from any reviewing court. Pensions: The ERISA Litigation Reform Act (H.R. 6084). A bill that would undermine ERISAs ability to protect retirement plan participants hard-earned retirement income under the erroneous notion that the recent unanimous Supreme Court decision in Cunningham v. Cornell University will lead to a tide of ERISA class action litigation. Social Security Administration. Keep Billionaires Out of Our Social Security Act (S. 2763), Hands Off Our Social Security Act (H.R. 4734), Repairing Social Security after DOGE (H.R. 6237). Proposals to reverse cuts the Trump Administration has made to the Social Security Administration (SSA), prevents Social Security field offices from shutting down, makes it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for the benefits they have earned over the phone, provides the resources the SSA needs to approve earned benefits quickly, protects benefits from unauthorized tampering, delays or changes, blocks privatization of SSA, enforces privacy protections for beneficiary data, and requires annual Government Accountability Office audits on staffing, operations and compliance. Social Security Administration. Letter to Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano opposing enhanced identity verification procedures for beneficiary transactions with SSA that will make it difficult, if not impossible, for many older Americans and members of the disability community to access their earned benefits. Social Security Administration. Resolution of Inquiry by Representative John Larson (H. Res. 195): Requesting information be provided to Congress regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys (DOGE) access to the Social Security Administrations computer data, which compromises beneficiary privacy by allowing access to Americans personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking information, earnings history and medical information. Social Security Administration. Keep Our Field Offices Open Act (H.R. 1876): Proposals to suspend Social Security field office closures until January 21, 2029, after which date the Commissioner of Social Security would be required to submit a detailed report to Congress, laying out and justifying a process for closing, consolidating, or reducing access to field offices; bill also requires the Commissioner to maintain the total number of field offices and hearing offices that were in operation on January 20, 2025, after the moratorium ends and requires that, in considering future office closures, the Commissioner must consider potential transportation and communication barriers for individuals served by the office, provide significant advance notice to the public and members of Congress, and ensure opportunities for public input and appeals. Social Security Administration. Protecting Americans Social Security Data Act (H.R. 1877): Proposals to protect Americans from having their sensitive personal information politicized or bought and sold to the highest bidder by preventing Elon Musk, his associates, and political appointees from accessing sensitive data systems at SSA, codifying SSA data privacy requirements into law and strengthening oversight and civil penalties for any privacy and disclosure violations of Social Security beneficiaries personal information. Social Security Administration. The Improving Social Securitys Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (S. 1666/H.R. 5345): Proposal to improve Social Security's service to victims of identity theft by requiring the Social Security Administration to provide a single point of contact for any individual whose Social Security account number has been misused. Social Security Administration. Comments on Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations, Docket No. SSA-2021-0014; Comments on Expanding the Rental Subsidy, Docket No. SSA-2023-0010; Comments on Intermediate Improvement to the Disability Adjudication Process Including How We Consider Past Work, Docket No. SSA-2023-0024; Comments on Rulemaking Expanding the Definition of a Public Assistance Household, Docket No. SSA-2023-0015; Comments on strengthening rule regarding the Use of Electronic Payroll Data to Improve Program Administration, Docket No. SSA-2016-0039. Social Security Administration. Comments submitted regarding Social Security Form SSA-827 proposal (Medical Record Collection Process) and the Disability Applicant Evidence Simplification Act (DAESA) draft. Social Security Administration. The creation of an online application for all SSI applicants, streamlining data collection to more effectively obtain treating source evidence, eliminating the reconsideration level of review, updating outdated occupational information, adding a robust online scheduling tool and ensuring comprehensive customer service for all individuals. Social Security Administration. Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act (H.R. 8884/S. 4947). Proposals to reauthorize SSA demonstration projects intended to help Americans with disabilities re-enter the workforce, but this legislation does not include guardrails to prevent the Trump Administration from forcing our most vulnerable citizens off the disability roles. In light of this Administrations previous efforts to eviscerate the disability program (SSDI) through the mechanism of demonstration projects, budget proposals and regulatory changes, such guardrails are essential. Womens Retirement Security. The Womens Retirement Protection Act (S. 988/H.R. 2023): Proposal to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide for greater spousal protection under defined contribution plans. Food Security for Seniors. Farm bill reauthorization (American Relief Act, P.L. 118-158, Division D) and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567): Proposals to cut future Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other harmful policies that would worsen the problem of hunger for Americas older adults and other food insecure individuals.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000

Government targets: Administration on Aging, Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Treasury, Dept of