New Bill Would Let Physical Laborers Claim Full Social Security Benefits at Age 60

Representative Haley Stevens introduced the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act in September 2026, a bill that would lower the age at which workers in physically demanding jobs can claim full Social Security retirement benefits to 60.

The current full retirement age is 67 for workers born in 1960 or later. Workers can claim early benefits starting at 62, but doing so results in a permanent reduction in monthly payments.

The proposed bill targets occupations defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as physically demanding. The list includes construction, roofing, nursing, and manufacturing. The Social Security Administration would maintain and update the list of qualifying occupations every three years.

To claim full benefits at 60, workers would need to accumulate 15 points or have worked 20 total years in qualifying roles. The bill uses a weighted points system based on age and years of service. Workers earn 0.5 points per year for service between ages 18 and 34, 1.0 point per year between 35 and 44, 1.5 points per year between 45 and 54, and 2.0 points per year at 55 and older.

The bill arrives as Social Security faces significant financial pressure. The Congressional Budget Office projected in 2026 that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund could be exhausted by fiscal year 2032. Lawmakers are debating a range of proposals to address the program's long-term solvency.

Supporters of the bill argue that workers in physically demanding jobs often cannot continue working into their mid-60s due to injury, chronic pain, or physical decline. Critics say the proposal would accelerate the depletion of the trust fund without a corresponding funding mechanism.

The bill has not yet been scheduled for a committee vote.