New bill would give blue-collar workers full Social Security benefits early

Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens in late September introduced a bill that would let Americans who work “physically demanding” jobs collect Social Security retirement benefits early. 

What’s happening: The Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act would allow qualifying workers to collect full benefits when they turn 60.

• Currently, people born after 1960 must wait until age 67 for full benefits, though they can take reduced benefits beginning at age 62. 

The big picture: Such a change could serve as an additional incentive for workers considering joining the skilled trades. 

Go deeper: As for which jobs would qualify, the Social Security Administration would create a list of “physically demanding occupations.”

• These would include, but are not limited to, construction, roofing, nursing, manufacturing, and more, according to Stevens’s office. 
• A point system would also determine who qualifies, with workers needing to accumulate 15 points or 20 total years of physically demanding work. 
• Each year of such work would count for half a point from the ages of 18-34, one point from the ages of 35-44, 1.5 points from the ages of 45-54, and two points at age 55 and older. 

What they’re saying: “If we want to honor the dignity of work in this country, we need to lower the retirement age for physical laborers,” Stevens said in a statement. 

Yes, but: Critics say it would be difficult to agree on which jobs are defined as “physically demanding.” 

• Plus, Social Security is already underfunded — and could be insolvent by 2032.