The Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2026 establishes a 20-year federal demonstration project to test modified Social Security disability benefits for blind individuals. Under the project, blind people receiving disability benefits can earn income without losing eligibility, and their benefits will only be reduced by one dollar for every two dollars they earn above certain thresholds, rather than the typical earnings limits that would terminate benefits. The demonstration applies to individuals who become eligible for benefits within the first 10 years of the project and removes standard work-related restrictions like trial work periods that normally apply to disability recipients. The Social Security Commissioner must implement the project within 180 days of the bill's enactment and has authority to waive certain benefit rules as needed to run the demonstration. After 10 years in the program, participants can choose to opt out of the demonstration project if they wish.
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