Press Releases

Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced legislation that would eliminate government waste by preventing individuals from receiving both Social Security Disability Benefits and Unemployment Benefits at the same time, so that Disability Insurance is preserved for those who truly cannot work, ending the fiscally irresponsible practice of “double dipping.” The bill, H.R. 5576, will ensure that individuals who are able to work and receiving temporary unemployment assistance are not also eligible to collect Social Security benefits that are reserved for disabled individuals who are unable to work. The proposal, the “Double Dip Elimination Act,” has been included in the budgets of both President Trump and President Obama and is estimated to save approximately $2.5 billion over 10 years. This is a practical and important step towards strengthening the Disability Insurance Trust Fund and the Social Security Trust Fund. “Allowing able-bodied people to receive disability benefits is not only a waste of taxpayer dollars, but also a disservice to those who legitimately are not able to work,” said Arrington. “I am confident that, by eliminating the practice of double dipping in Unemployment and Disability Insurance, we can ensure greater fiscal responsibility and implement common-sense reforms for a solvent and sustainable Social Security Trust Fund.” Fellow Ways and Means Committee members Tom Reed (NY-23), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Tom Rice (SC-7), and Drew Ferguson (GA-3) are original cosponsors of the legislation. “As the Republican leader of the Social Security Subcommittee, I care about ensuring folks are not taking advantage of this vital social safety net,” said Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23). “Millions of Americans rely on this program and it is our responsibility to safeguard and ensure Social Security is around for generations. I would like to thank Jodey for his hard work, dedication and leadership on this issue as we work together to defend Social Security.” “This legislation would end the practice of double dipping into social security disability benefits and unemployment,” said Rep. Tom Rice (SC-7). “It’s a fiscally responsible step to preserve Social Security benefits for those who truly cannot work.” The Double Dip Elimination Act has also received support from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: “With the deficit projected to exceed $1 trillion and Social Security headed toward insolvency, it’s time to get serious about reducing spending and tax breaks rather than expanding them,” said Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “We aren’t going to save Social Security or the budget by ending overlapping payments – but it’s a start. Unemployment benefits are for those looking for work while disability benefits are for those who cannot work – and there has been bipartisan support to stop paying some individuals both. Versions of this proposal have been put forward by both Presidents Obama and Trump, and I am pleased that Representative Arrington has introduced legislation to implement this common-sense reform.” To read the full text of H.R. 5576, click here.