Bill would let physically demanding workers claim Social Security at 60

A new bill introduced by Representative Haley Stevens would allow certain workers in physically demanding jobs to begin claiming full Social Security retirement benefits at the age of 60, years earlier than the current eligibility threshold.

The proposal targets workers whose occupations place significant strain on the body, recognising that many struggle to remain in the workforce until the standard retirement age. Under existing rules, workers must wait considerably longer before accessing full benefits.

The legislation reflects a broader debate in Washington over the fairness of a retirement system that applies uniform age thresholds regardless of the physical toll a career may take on an individual worker.