H.R. 6237: Repairing Social Security After Trump and DOGE Act

This bill, titled the "Repairing Social Security After Trump and DOGE Act," aims to address issues related to the Social Security benefits system in the United States for individuals who have faced "undue hardship" preventing them from applying for benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Access to Benefits Due to Undue Hardship

If the Social Security Commissioner determines that an individual did not apply for monthly insurance benefits because they experienced undue hardship, the bill allows that person to be treated as if they had applied on a later date. This later date could either be:

• The date the individual suffered the undue hardship, or
• The date they met all eligibility requirements for the benefits (aside from the application itself).

Identification and Review of Applications

Beginning within 180 days after January 20, 2029, the Commissioner of Social Security is required to:

• Identify individuals who failed to apply for benefits due to undue hardship.
• Establish a program allowing individuals to notify the Commissioner about their failure to apply because of undue hardship.

Definition of Undue Hardship

The bill defines "undue hardship" as various issues that might have occurred between January 20, 2025, and January 19, 2029. These include:

• Changes in operations of the Social Security Administration, including those arising from actions by the DOGE Service, Elon Musk, or officials from the Trump Administration.
• Staffing shortages leading to long wait times or difficulties scheduling appointments.
• Technical difficulties, such as issues logging into Social Security websites or website outages.
• Operational issues requiring internet access or transportation to appointments.
• Being mistakenly declared deceased in official records.
• Confusion about rules due to misinformation or lack of information.
• Other factors interfering with the ability to apply for or receive benefits as deemed by the Commissioner.

Waiver of Disability Insurance Waiting Period

The bill proposes that for individuals who failed to apply for disability benefits due to undue hardship, the waiting period to receive those benefits may be waived under certain conditions as outlined in the Social Security Act.

Treatment of Paid Amounts

Any amounts paid under Titles II or XVI of the Social Security Act as a result of this bill will not be counted when determining the need or eligibility for other benefits or assistance under any federal, state, or local program that uses federal funds.

GAO Report on Social Security Administration Actions

Within 180 days following the enactment or by July 30, 2029, the Comptroller General of the United States must submit a report detailing:

• The actions and changes made by the Social Security Administration between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029.
• The effects of these actions on beneficiaries and on customer service.
• Recommendations to repair any damage caused by these actions and changes.

Relevant Companies

None found.