“The Social Security Earnings Limit is unfair and un-American,” Jones said. “I am proud to be part of a Congress that is following through on its commitment to provide significant relief from a tax code that unfairly punishes hardworking Americans.”
 
Each year, more than 800,000 Social Security recipients between the ages of 65 and 69 lose part or all of their Social Security benefits because they earn more than the imposed earnings limit.  Seniors whose annual income exceeds $17,000 lose $1 in benefits for every $3 they earn in wages or salaries above the limit. 

“This tax places the greatest burden on seniors who are struggling to pay significant medical bills or expenses that result from caring for a loved one.  By penalizing these hardworking citizens, the government undermines the values of responsibility and self-sufficiency so critical to the survival of this nation,” Jones said.

The earnings limit was incorporated into the Social Security program during its creation, when the nation was in the midst of the Great Depression. The limit was intended to encourage seniors to leave the workforce in order to make more jobs available to younger workers.
 
 “The Social Security Earnings Limit is outdated and continues to unfairly penalize our nation’s seniors.  Today, the economy is thriving and unemployment is down.  Now, it is time to start providing full retirement benefits for our nation’s seniors for a lifetime of hard work,” Jones said