Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act

The Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act would modify Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) rules for military veterans who received the Purple Heart medal. Specifically, the bill would allow Purple Heart recipients whose disabilities are combat-related to use a higher monthly income limit when determining SSDI eligibility. Currently, most SSDI recipients must stay below a lower income threshold, but this bill would allow Purple Heart recipients to use the same higher income limit that applies to blind individuals. Additionally, the bill would phase out SSDI benefits more gradually for these veterans, reducing benefits by $1 for every $4 of earnings above the income limit rather than using stricter reduction rules. The changes would take effect six months after the bill becomes law. This legislation aims to give disabled Purple Heart recipients greater opportunity to work and earn income while maintaining their disability benefits.