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S 4947

A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program.

119th Congress Introduced by Eric Schmitt

Reauthorizes SSA disability insurance demonstrations to test new eligibility, administration, and work-incentive approaches while requiring evaluation and oversight.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4947

Summary of Bill: S. 4947 (119th Congress) – A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to reauthorize and extend demonstration authority under title II of the Social Security Act related to the Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) program.
  • By reauthorizing demonstration authority, the bill aims to permit continued testing, evaluation, and potential pilot programs or demonstrations that assess new approaches, processes, or policies within DI.

Key provisions and changes (what the bill would do)

  • Reauthorization of demonstration authority: The central provision is to extend the Department of Health and Human Services/SSA’s ability to run demonstrations under the DI program as authorized by current law, ensuring ongoing experimentation beyond current expiration.
  • Scope of demonstrations: While the full text is not provided here, typical demonstrations could cover eligibility rules, disability determination processes, work incentives, payment timing, program integrity measures, or beneficiary supports intended to improve outcomes and program efficiency.
  • Oversight and evaluation: Demonstrations typically include requirements for evaluation, reporting, and oversight to assess effectiveness, cost, and impact on beneficiaries and program sustainability.
  • Sunset or renewal mechanics: The bill would specify the duration of reauthorization (often several years) and may outline provisions for renewal or extension if results are favorable.

Affected parties and beneficiaries

  • Primary: Individuals applying for or receiving DI benefits, since demonstrations can alter eligibility processes, work incentive rules, or administrative procedures affecting the disability insurance program.
  • Federal agency: Social Security Administration (SSA) would administer and implement the demonstrations, collect data, monitor outcomes, and report findings.
  • Stakeholders: Employers, workers with disabilities, advocates, and states/parties involved in any test components or demonstration partnerships.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: S. 4947 was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance on July 13, 2026.
  • Sponsorship: The bill lists a co-sponsor (Eric Schmitt), indicating bipartisan involvement in the sponsorship.
  • Legislative path: As a Senate bill, it would need committee consideration, potential markup, and passage by both chambers (House and Senate) before any final passage and presidential action. If passed, it would modify or supplement existing statutory authorization for DI demonstrations rather than remaking core DI funding or benefits structure.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Policy impact: Reauthorization could enable continued experimentation that might improve benefit administration, reduce processing times, enhance beneficiary supports, or test reforms intended to improve program sustainability.
  • Fiscal impact: Demonstrations typically require dedicated funding and evaluation resources; results could influence future program costs or savings depending on effectiveness.
  • Risk and oversight: Demonstrations must balance innovation with program integrity and protections for beneficiaries, ensuring that any changes do not undermine eligibility determinations or benefit adequacy.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title, action history, and typical features of DI demonstration authorizations. The full, precise text of S. 4947 would provide detailed provisions, definitions, eligibility for demonstrations, reporting requirements, funding levels, and sunset or renewal terms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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