Rep. Haley Stevens introduced a bill to let workers in physically demanding jobs claim full Social Security retirement benefits at 60—seven years before the current full-benefit age of 67 for people born after 1960. The measure is a proposal, not current law.
The bill would award points based on workers’ age and years in physically demanding jobs; for example, each year worked from ages 35 to 44 earns one point. To qualify at 60, a worker would need at least 15 points or 20 years in certain jobs, such as manufacturing or roofing. The Social Security commissioner would compile a list of qualifying occupations and update it every three years.
The proposal comes amid debate over Social Security funding. Trustees projected that a key fund for retirees and survivors would become insolvent by the end of 2032, potentially triggering benefit cuts of more than 20%. Other proposals to shore up the program include removing the $184,500 cap on earnings subject to Social Security tax or raising the payroll tax.
