This bill helps health care workers and first responders by allowing them to earn money without losing retirement benefits during and after public health emergencies. It recognizes their contributions and supports their financial stability.
Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act This bill exempts from the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test (RET) wages earned through work as a health care professional or first responder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the RET, benefits are reduced for beneficiaries who are younger than full retirement age if they earn wages in excess of a specified annual limit. Further, the Social Security Administration may issue waivers to individuals employed as health care professionals or first responders during a declared public health emergency in which there is a shortage of health care workers. Wages earned by individuals granted waivers during a public health emergency are exempt from the RET.
