Bill Would Let Some Physically Demanding Workers Claim Full Social Security at 60

Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., has introduced legislation that would allow some workers in physically demanding occupations to claim full Social Security retirement benefits at age 60.

The Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act would cover workers in fields such as construction, roofing, nursing and manufacturing. Under current law, people born in 1960 or later reach full retirement age at 67. Benefits may be claimed beginning at 62, but at a reduced monthly amount.

The proposal would use a points system based on a worker’s age and years spent in qualifying jobs. Workers would receive 0.5 point for each year in physically demanding work from ages 18 to 34, one point per year from 35 to 44, 1.5 points per year from 45 to 54, and two points per year at age 55 or older. A worker could qualify for full benefits at 60 by accumulating 15 points or completing 20 years of physically demanding work.

The Social Security Administration would determine which occupations qualify and update the list every three years. The bill defines eligible work as imposing substantial physical demands that could reduce a person’s ability to continue performing such work at an advanced age.

Stevens said workers should not have to remain in demanding jobs until their health prevents them from continuing. The proposal arrives as lawmakers debate Social Security’s finances and ways to prevent projected benefit cuts when its trust funds become depleted.