H.R. 3517

119 HR 3517 IH: Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act of 2025
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2025-05-20
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 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 I  119th CONGRESS  1st Session  H. R. 3517  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   May 20, 2025   Ms. Moore of Wisconsin  introduced the following bill; which was referred to the  Committee on Ways and Means    A BILL
To amend title II of the Social Security Act to make various reforms to Social Security, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act of 2025  .
2.
Increase in special minimum benefit for lifetime low earners based on years in the workforce
Section 215(a)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 415(a)(1)(C) ) is amended to read as follows:
(C)
(i)
Effective with respect to the benefits of individuals who become eligible for old-age insurance benefits or disability insurance benefits (or die before becoming so eligible) after 2025, no primary insurance amount computed under subparagraph (A) may be less than the applicable percentage of  1/12  of the annual dollar amount determined under clause (iv) for the year in which the amount is determined.
(ii)
For purposes of clause (i), the applicable percentage is the percentage specified in connection with the number of years of work, as set forth in the following table:
   If the number of    The applicable
   years of work is:    percentage is:
  11  36.7 percent
  12  40.0 percent
  13  43.3 percent
  14  46.7 percent
  15  50.0 percent
  16  53.3 percent
  17  56.7 percent
  18  60.0 percent
  19  63.3 percent
  20  66.7 percent
  21  70.0 percent
  22  73.3 percent
  23  76.7 percent
  24  80.0 percent
  25  83.3 percent
  26  86.7 percent
  27  90.0 percent
  28  93.3 percent
  29  96.7 percent
  30 or more  100.0 percent.
(iii)
The annual dollar amount determined under this clause is—
(I)
for calendar year 2026, the poverty guideline for 2025; and
(II)
for any calendar year after 2026, the annual dollar amount for 2026 multiplied by the ratio of—
(aa)
the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1)) for the second calendar year preceding the calendar year for which the determination is made, to
(bb)
the national average wage index (as so defined) for 2024.
(iv)
For purposes of this subparagraph—
(I)
the term  number of years of work  means, with respect to an individual, the sum of—
(aa)
 1/4  of the total number of quarters of coverage credited to such individual (disregarding any fraction); and
(bb)
the number of years (not exceeding 5) in all of which the individual provided care for a child under 6 years of age who resided in the individual’s home; and
(II)
the term  poverty guideline for 2025  means the annual poverty guideline for 2025 (as updated annually in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981) as applicable to a single individual
 .
3.
Establishment of an increased benefit for beneficiaries on account of long-term eligibility
(a)
In general
Section 202 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(aa)
Increase in benefit amounts on account of long-Term eligibility
(1)
In the case of an individual who is a qualified beneficiary for a calendar year after 2025, the amount of any monthly insurance benefit of such qualified beneficiary under this section or section 223 for any month in such calendar year shall be increased in accordance with paragraph (3).
(2)
(A)
For purposes of this subsection, the term  qualified beneficiary  for a calendar year means an individual in any case in which such calendar year begins at least 16 years after the applicable date of eligibility for such individual.
(B)
For purposes of this subsection, the applicable date of eligibility for an individual is the date on which the individual on whose wages and self-employment income the monthly insurance benefit is based initially became eligible (or died before becoming eligible) for old-age insurance benefits under subsection (a) or disability insurance benefits under section 223.
(3)
(A)
The increase required under paragraph (1) with respect to the monthly insurance benefit of an individual who is a qualified beneficiary for a calendar year shall be equal to the applicable percentage (specified for such benefit in subparagraph (B)) of the full increase amount for such calendar year (determined under subparagraph (C)).
(B)
The applicable percentage specified for a monthly insurance benefit under this subparagraph for a calendar year is the percentage specified, in connection with the number of years ending after the applicable date of eligibility for such individual and before such calendar year, in the following table:
  The applicable
  If the number of years is:
  percentage is:
  16
  20
  percent
  17
  40
  percent
  18
  60
  percent
  19
  80
  percent
  20 or larger
  100 percent.
(C)
(i)
Except as provided in clause (ii), the full increase amount determined under this subparagraph for a calendar year in connection with the monthly insurance benefit of a qualified beneficiary is a dollar amount equal to 5 percent of the amount of the benefit if—
(I)
such benefit were based on the primary insurance amount determined for January of such calendar year of a putative individual;
(II)
on January 1 of the calendar year in which occurred the applicable eligibility date with respect to such individual, such putative individual were fully insured, attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l)(2)) and were otherwise eligible for, and applied for, old-age insurance benefits; and
(III)
such putative individual’s average indexed monthly earnings taken into account in determining such primary insurance amount were equal to  1/12  of the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1)) for the second year prior to such calendar year.
(ii)
(I)
In the case of a monthly insurance benefit under subsection (b) or (c), the full increase amount determined under this subparagraph shall be one-half the amount determined under clause (i); or
(II)
in the case of a monthly insurance benefit under subsection (d), (g), or (h), the full increase amount determined under this subparagraph shall be the percentage of the amount determined under clause (i) equal to the ratio which the amount of such benefit bears to the primary insurance amount (before the application of section 203(a)) of the individual on whose wages and self-employment income the monthly insurance benefit is based.
(4)
In the case of a qualified beneficiary who is entitled to two or more monthly insurance benefits under this title for the same month—
(A)
the earliest applicable date of eligibility for such beneficiary with respect to such benefits shall be treated as the applicable date of eligibility for such beneficiary for the purposes of this subsection; and
(B)
such beneficiary shall be entitled to an increase with respect only to one such benefit.
(5)
This subsection shall be applied to monthly insurance benefits after any increase under subsection (w) and any applicable reductions and deductions under this title.
(6)
In any case in which an individual is entitled to benefits under both this section and section 223, the increase under this subsection shall be paid from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.
 .
(b)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Section 202 of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402 ) is amended—
(A)
in the last sentence of subsection (a), by striking  subsection (q) and subsection (w)  and inserting  subsections (q), (w), and (aa) ;
(B)
in subsection (b)(2), by striking  subsection (q)  and inserting  subsections (q) and (aa) ;
(C)
in subsection (c)(2), by striking  subsection (q)  and inserting  subsections (q) and (aa) ;
(D)
in subsection (d)(2), by adding at the end the following:  This paragraph shall apply subject to subsection (aa). ;
(E)
in subsection (e)(2)(A), by striking  subsection (q) and subparagraph (D) of this paragraph  and inserting  subsection (q), subsection (aa), and subparagraph (D) of this paragraph ;
(F)
in subsection (f)(2)(A), by striking  subsection (q) and subparagraph (D) of this paragraph  and inserting  subsection (q), subsection (aa), and subparagraph (D) of this paragraph ;
(G)
in subsection (g)(2), by striking  Such  and inserting  Except as provided in subsection (aa), such ;
(H)
in subsection (h)(2)(A), by inserting  and subsection (aa)  after  subparagraphs (B) and (C) ; and
(I)
in section 223(a)(2), by striking  section 202(q)  and inserting  subsections (q) and (aa) of section 202 .
(2)
Section 209(k)(1) of such Act ( 402 U.S.C. 409(k)(1) ) is amended by inserting  202(aa)(3)(C)(i)(II),  before  203(f)(8)(B)(ii) .
4.
Extension of child’s benefit for full-time post-secondary school students under age 26
(a)
In general
Section 202(d)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)(B) ) is amended to read as follows:
(B)
at the time such application was filed was unmarried and—
(i)
had not attained the age of 18,
(ii)
was a full-time elementary or secondary school student and had not attained the age of 19,
(iii)
was a full-time post-secondary school student and had not attained the age of 26, or
(iv)
is under a disability (as defined in section 223(d)) which began before he attained the age of 22, and
 .
(b)
Definition of full-Time post-Secondary school student
(1)
In general
Section 202(d)(7) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(7) ) is amended—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
by inserting  and a  full-time post-secondary school student  is an individual who is in full-time attendance as a student at a post-secondary educational institution  before  , as determined by the Commissioner ;
(ii)
by inserting  or a  full-time post-secondary school student   before  if he is paid by his employer ;
(iii)
by inserting  or a post-secondary educational institution, as applicable,  before  at the request ;
(iv)
by inserting  or a  full-time post-secondary school student   before  for the purpose of this section ; and
(v)
by inserting  or a full-time post-secondary school student  before  shall be deemed ; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
by inserting  or a full-time post-secondary school student  after  student ;
(ii)
by inserting  or a post-secondary educational institution, as applicable  before  at which he has been ; and
(iii)
by striking  an elementary or secondary school  in each of the second and third places in which such term appears and inserting  such a school .
(2)
Transition from elementary or secondary school
Section 202(d)(7)(B) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(7)(B) ) is amended by adding at the end the following sentence:  An individual who has been in full-time attendance at an elementary or secondary school shall, during a succeeding period of nonattendance at such school, be deemed to be a full-time secondary-school student if (i) such period is 4 calendar months or less, and (ii) the individual shows to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that he intends to be in full-time attendance at a post-secondary educational institution immediately following such period.
(c)
Definition of post-Secondary educational institution
Section 202(d)(7)(C) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(7)(C) ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(iii)
A  post-secondary educational institution  is an institution described in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 ).
  .
(d)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Section 202(d)(1)(E) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)(E) ) is amended by inserting  or a full-time post-secondary school student  after  student .
(2)
Section 202(d)(1)(F) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)(F) ) is amended by striking  the earlier of—  and all that follows through  the age of 19,  and inserting the following:
the earlier of—
(i)
the first month during no part of which the child is a full-time elementary or secondary school student or a full-time post-secondary school student,
(ii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 19, but only if the child is not a full-time post-secondary school student during any part of such month, or
(iii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 26,
 .
(3)
Section 202(d)(1)(G) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)(G) ) is amended by striking  (if later)  and all that follows through the  the age of 19,  and inserting the following:
(if later) the earlier of—
(i)
the first month during no part of which the child is a full-time elementary or secondary school student or a full-time post-secondary school student,
(ii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 19, but only if the child is not a full-time post-secondary school student during any part of such month, or
(iii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 26,
 .
(4)
Section 202(d)(6)(A) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(6)(A) ) is amended to read as follows:
(A)
(i)
is a full-time elementary or secondary school student and has not attained the age of 19,
(ii)
is a full-time post-secondary school student and has not attained the age of 26, or
(iii)
is under a disability (as defined in section 223(d)) and has not attained the age of 22, or
 .
(5)
Section 202(d)(6)(D) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(6)(D) ) is amended to read as follows:
(D)
the earlier of—
(i)
the first month during no part of which the child is a full-time elementary or secondary school student or a full-time post-secondary school student,
(ii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 19, but only if the child is not a full-time post-secondary school student during any part of such month, or
(iii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 26,
 but only if he is not under a disability (as so defined) in such earlier month; or
 .
(6)
Section 202(d)(6)(E) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(6)(E) ) is amended by striking  (if later)  and all that follows to the end and inserting the following:
(if later) the earlier of—
(i)
the first month during no part of which the child is a full-time elementary or secondary school student or a full-time post-secondary school student,
(ii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 19, but only if the child is not a full-time post-secondary school student during any part of such month, or
(iii)
the month in which the child attains the age of 26.
 .
(e)
Effective date
The amendments made by this section apply with respect to applications for child’s insurance benefits under section 202(d) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 402(d) ) filed in any calendar year after 2025.
5.
Determination of taxable wages and self-employment income above contribution and benefit base after
2025
(a)
Determination of taxable wages above contribution and benefit base after 2025
(1)
Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
 Section 3121  of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a)(1), by inserting  the applicable percentage (determined under subsection (c)(1)) of  before  that part of the remuneration ; and
(B)
in subsection (c), by striking
(c)  Included and excluded service .—For purposes of this chapter, if  and inserting the following:
(c)
Special rules for wages and employment
(1)
Applicable percentage of remuneration in determining taxable wages
For purposes of subsection (a)(1), the applicable percentage for a calendar year shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
    The applicable
   In the case of:    percentage is:
  Calendar year 2026  90 percent
  Calendar year 2027  80 percent
  Calendar year 2028  70 percent
  Calendar year 2029  60 percent
  Calendar year 2030  50 percent
  Calendar year 2031  40 percent
  Calendar year 2032  30 percent
  Calendar year 2033  20 percent
  Calendar year 2034  10 percent
  Calendar years after 2035  0 percent.
(2)
Included and excluded service
For purposes of this chapter, if
 .
(2)
Amendments to the Social Security Act
Section 209 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 409 ) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a)(1)(I)—
(i)
by inserting  and before 2026  after  1974 ; and
(ii)
by inserting  and  after the semicolon;
(B)
in subsection (a)(1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(J)
The applicable percentage (determined under subsection (l)) of that part of remuneration which, after remuneration (other than remuneration referred to in the succeeding subsections of this section) equal to the contribution and benefit base (determined under section 230) with respect to employment has been paid to an individual during any calendar year after 2025 with respect to which such contribution and benefit base is effective, is paid to such individual during such calendar year;
 ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(l)
For purposes of subsection (a)(1)(J), the applicable percentage for a calendar year shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
  The applicable       In the case of:    percentage is:  Calendar year 2025  90 percent     Calendar year 2027  80 percent     Calendar year 2028  70 percent     Calendar year 2029  60 percent     Calendar year 2030  50 percent     Calendar year 2031  40 percent     Calendar year 2032  30 percent     Calendar year 2033  20 percent     Calendar year 2034  10 percent     Calendar years after 2035  0 percent.
 .
(3)
Effective date
The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to remuneration paid in calendar years after 2025.
(b)
Determination of taxable self-Employment income above contribution and benefit base after
2025
(1)
Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of
1986
 Section 1402  of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(A)
in subsection (b)(1), by striking  that part of the net earnings  and all that follows through  minus  and inserting the following:  an amount equal to the applicable percentage (as determined under subsection (d)(2)) of that part of the net earnings from self-employment which is in excess of the difference (not to be less than zero) between (i) an amount equal to the contribution and benefit base (as determined under section 230 of the Social Security Act) which is effective for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins, and ; and
(B)
in subsection (d)—
(i)
by striking
(d)  Employee and wages .—The term  and inserting the following:
(d)
Rules and definitions
(1)
Employee and wages
The term
 ; and
(ii)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
Applicable percentage of net earnings from self-employment in determining taxable self-employment income
For purposes of subsection (b)(1), the applicable percentage for a taxable year beginning in any calendar year referred to in such paragraph shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
  The applicable       In the case of:    percentage is:  Calendar year 2026  90 percent     Calendar year 2027  80 percent     Calendar year 2028  70 percent     Calendar year 2029  60 percent     Calendar year 2030  50 percent     Calendar year 2031  40 percent     Calendar year 2032  30 percent     Calendar year 2033  20 percent     Calendar year 2034  10 percent     Calendar years after 2035  0 percent.
 .
(2)
Amendments to the Social Security Act
Section 211 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 411 ) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (b)—
(i)
in paragraph (1)(I)—
(I)
by striking  or  after the semicolon; and
(II)
by inserting  and before 2026  after  1974 ;
(ii)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(iii)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2)
For any taxable year beginning in any calendar year after 2025, an amount equal to the applicable percentage (as determined under subsection (l)) of that part of net earnings from self-employment which is in excess of the difference (not to be less than zero) between—
(A)
an amount equal to the contribution and benefit base (as determined under section 230) that is effective for such calendar year, and
(B)
the amount of the wages paid to such individual during such taxable year; or
 ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(l)
For purposes of subsection (b)(2), the applicable percentage for a taxable year beginning in any calendar year referred to in such paragraph shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
  The applicable       In the case of:    percentage is:  Calendar year 2026  90 percent     Calendar year 2027  80 percent     Calendar year 2028  70 percent     Calendar year 2029  60 percent     Calendar year 2030  50 percent     Calendar year 2031  40 percent     Calendar year 2032  30 percent     Calendar year 2033  20 percent     Calendar year 2034  10 percent     Calendar years after 2035  0 percent.
 .
(3)
Effective date
The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning in calendar years after 2025.
(c)
Computing average indexed monthly earnings
Section 215(e) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 415(e) ) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking  and  after  before 1975, ;
(B)
by inserting  and before 2026  after  after 1974 ; and
(C)
by inserting  , and the applicable percentage of the excess over an amount equal to the contribution and benefit base (as determined under section 230) in the case of any calendar year after 2025 with respect to which such contribution and benefit base is effective,  after  benefit base is effective, ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(3)
For purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable percentage for a year shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
  The applicable       In the case of:    percentage is:  Calendar year 2026  90 percent     Calendar year 2027  80 percent     Calendar year 2028  70 percent     Calendar year 2029  60 percent     Calendar year 2030  50 percent     Calendar year 2031  40 percent     Calendar year 2032  30 percent     Calendar year 2033  20 percent     Calendar year 2034  10 percent     Calendar years after 2035  0 percent.
 .
(d)
Conforming amendment
Section 215(i)(2)(C)(i) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 415(i)(2)(C)(i) ) is amended by striking  the Commissioner's estimate of the extent to which the cost of such increase would be met by an increase in the contribution and benefit base under section 230 and the estimated amount of the increase in such base, .
6.
New bend point for amounts above contribution and benefit base
(a)
In general
Section 215(a)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 415(a)(1) ) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A)—
(A)
in clause (ii), by striking  and ;
(B)
in clause (iii), by striking the comma at the end and inserting the following:  but do not exceed the amount established for purposes of this clause by subparagraph (B), and ; and
(C)
by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
(iv)
3 percent of the individual’s average indexed monthly earnings to the extent that such earnings exceed the amount established for purposes of clause (iii),
 ; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B)—
(A)
by inserting  and before 2026  after  1979  in clause (ii);
(B)
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (v);
(C)
by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
(iii)
For individuals who initially become eligible for old-age or disability insurance benefits, or who die (before becoming eligible for such benefits), in the calendar year 2026—
(I)
the amounts established for purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall be the amounts so established under clause (ii) of this subparagraph for such calendar year; and
(II)
the amount established for purposes of clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall be the amount of the contribution and benefit base with respect to remuneration paid (and taxable years beginning) in calendar year 2026.
(iv)
For individuals who initially become eligible for old-age or disability insurance benefits, or who die (before becoming eligible for such benefits), in any calendar year after 2026, the amount so established shall equal the product of the corresponding amount established with respect to the calendar year 2026 under clause (iii) of this subparagraph and the quotient obtained by dividing—
(I)
the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1)) for the second calendar year preceding the calendar year for which the determination is made, by
(II)
the national average wage index (as so defined) for 2024.
 ; and
(D)
in clause (v), as so redesignated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by inserting  and clause (iv)  after  clause (ii) .
(b)
Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to individuals who initially become eligible (within the meaning of section 215(a)(3)(B)) for old-age or disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, or who die (before becoming eligible for such benefits), in any calendar year after 2025.
7.
Increase in employment tax rate
(a)
Wages
(1)
Employees
Subsection (a) of  section 3101  of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:
(a)
Old-Age, survivors, and disability insurance
(1)
In general
In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on the income of every individual a tax equal to the applicable percentage of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) received by him with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).
(2)
Applicable percentage
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term  applicable percentage  means the percentage determined under the following table:
  The applicable       In case of wages received during:    percentage  shall be:  2026  6.25 percent     2027  6.30 percent     2028  6.35 percent     2029  6.40 percent     2030  6.45 percent     2031 or thereafter  6.50 percent.
 .
(2)
Employers
Subsection (a) of section 3111 of such Code is amended to read as follows:
(a)
Old-Age, survivors, and disability insurance
(1)
In general
In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax, with respect to having individuals in his employ, equal to the applicable percentage of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by him with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).
(2)
Applicable percentage
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term  applicable percentage  means the percentage determined under the following table:
    The applicable
   In case of a
  taxable year   beginning during calendar
  year:    percentage   shall be:
  2026  6.25 percent
  2027  6.30 percent
  2028  6.35 percent
  2029  6.40 percent
  2030  6.45 percent
  2031 or thereafter  6.50 percent.
 .
(b)
Self-Employment
Subsection (a) of section 1401 of such Code is amended to read as follows:
(a)
Old-Age, survivors, and disability insurance
(1)
In addition to other taxes, there shall be imposed for each taxable year, on the self-employment income of every individual, a tax equal to the applicable percentage of the amount of the self-employment income for such taxable year.
(2)
Applicable percentage
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term  applicable percentage  means the percentage determined under the following table:
  The applicable  In case of a taxable year   beginning during calendar year:     percentage   shall be:  2026   12.5 percent       2027   12.6 percent       2028   12.7 percent       2029   12.8 percent       2030   12.9 percent       2031 or thereafter   13.0 percent.
 .
(c)
Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to remuneration received, and taxable years beginning after, December 31, 2025.
8.
Non-application of increase in Social Security benefits for means-tested programs
Any increase in monthly insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act as a result of the amendments made by this Act shall not be regarded as income or resources for any month after December 2025, for purposes of determining the eligibility of the recipient (or the recipient's spouse or family) for benefits or assistance, or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance, under any Federal program or under any State or local program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds.