United States 117th Congress Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 35 R · 11 D cosponsors

HR 3443 — Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act

Last action — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 117th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act This bill increases the monthly income limit that is used to determine whether certain Purple Heart recipients are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Specifically, when making such determinations with respect to Purple Heart recipients who are entitled to SSDI benefits based on combat-related injuries, the Social Security Administration must use the limit that applies to individuals who are blind rather than the lower limit that applies to other SSDI recipients. In addition, the bill phases out SSDI benefits for these Purple Heart recipients, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $4 of earnings in excess of the limit.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

9 changes Share ↗

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a disability benefit offset for Purple Heart recipients under the Social Security Act.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(e)

    (1) No benefit → (1)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (2), No benefit

    This change introduces a new subparagraph structure to the existing rules for benefits.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(e)

    (2) No benefit → (B) No benefit

    This change modifies the numbering scheme for benefits regulations.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(e)

    paragraph (1) → subparagraph (A)

    This change clarifies the reference to the restructured subparagraph in the benefits rules.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(e)

    (2)(A) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1) of this section, in any case in which an individual is entitled to a monthly insurance benefit under such subsection based on a disability that is attributable to an injury for which the individual was awarded the Purple Heart, such individual shall be deemed to continue to be entitled to such benefit without regard to the individual's termination month, except that payment of such benefit for any month shall be subject to the reduction described in subparagraph (B).

    This adds a provision allowing Purple Heart recipients to retain their disability benefits despite reaching a termination month.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(e)

    (B)(i) Any benefit described in subparagraph (A) otherwise payable to an individual described in such subparagraph for a month shall be reduced by $1 for each $4 by which the individual's earnings derived from services for such month exceeds the amount specified for such month in clause (ii), except that such benefit may not be reduced below $0.

    This establishes an offset based on earnings for Purple Heart recipients, limiting their benefit reduction.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(e)

    (ii) The amount specified in this clause with respect to an individual for a month is the amount of earnings derived from services, applicable to the individual for such month under subsection (d)(4)(A), sufficient to demonstrate the individual's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.

    This specifies the earnings threshold for Purple Heart recipients under the new offset provision.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(e)

    (C) In the case of a benefit otherwise payable to an individual for a month under section 202 on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of an individual whose benefit is reduced pursuant to subparagraph (B), such benefit shall be reduced for such month by the same proportion as the reduction made pursuant to subparagraph (B).

    This ensures that reductions to benefits for Purple Heart recipients align with similar provisions under different sections.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(a)(2)

    and section 215(b)(2)(A)(ii) → , section 215(b)(2)(A)(ii), and subsection (e) of this section

    This change ensures that Purple Heart provisions are referenced in the conformity amendments to other sections.

  • 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(4)(A)

    or who is entitled to a monthly insurance benefit under subsection (a)(1) based on a disability that is attributable to an injury for which the individual was awarded the Purple Heart

    This amendment allows Purple Heart recipients to qualify for a higher SGA (substantial gainful activity) threshold.

Action History

  1. Introduced in House

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 45 co-sponsors · 501 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (45)

Not signed on (501)

501 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

veterans labor
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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 3443 do?
Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act This bill increases the monthly income limit that is used to determine whether certain Purple Heart recipients are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Specifically, when making such determinations with respect to Purple Heart recipients who are entitled to SSDI benefits based on combat-related injuries, the Social Security Administration must use the limit that applies to individuals who are blind rather than the lower limit that applies to other SSDI recipients. In addition, the bill phases out SSDI benefits for these Purple Heart recipients, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $4 of earnings in excess of the limit.
Who sponsors HR 3443?
HR 3443 is sponsored by Scott, Austin (Republican), Bishop, Sanford D. (Democratic), Turner, Michael R. (Republican), Kim, Andy (Democratic), Allen, Rick W. (Republican), DesJarlais, Scott (Republican), Stewart, Chris (Republican), Van Drew, Jefferson (Republican), Hudson, Richard (Republican), Rice, Tom (Republican), Kelly, Trent (Republican), McHenry, Patrick T. (Republican), Taylor, Van (Republican), Lamb, Conor (Democratic), Franklin, Scott (Republican), Bacon, Don (Republican), Gohmert, Louie (Republican), Buchanan, Vern (Republican), Hice, Jody B. (Republican), Norman, Ralph (Republican), Palazzo, Steven M. (Republican), McMorris Rodgers, Cathy (Republican), Waltz, Michael (Republican), Axne, Cynthia (Democratic), Thompson, Glenn (Republican), Carbajal, Salud O. (Democratic), Castro, Joaquin (Democratic), Stefanik, Elise M. (Republican), Tenney, Claudia (Republican), Fallon, Pat (Republican), Slotkin, Elissa (Democratic), Mast, Brian J. (Republican), Chabot, Steve (Republican), Courtney, Joe (Democratic), Escobar, Veronica (Democratic), Dunn, Neal P. (Republican), Carter, John R. (Republican), Gottheimer, Josh (Democratic), Lesko, Debbie (Republican), Womack, Steve (Republican), Neguse, Joe (Democratic), Wittman, Robert J. (Republican), Steube, W. Gregory (Republican), Issa, Darrell (Republican), Armstrong, Kelly (Republican), and Duncan, Jeff (Republican).
What is the current status of HR 3443?
This bill died with 117th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HR 3443?
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