This New Bill Would Let Some Workers Claim Full Social Security at 60

Deciding when to claim Social Security is a critical part of making a retirement plan for most Americans. Under the current rules, 62 is the earliest age you can start benefits, and filing so young is considered an early claim that could result in penalties of up to 30% depending on your full retirement age (FRA).

However, a new bill would make a major change to the Social Security claiming age for some workers. It would allow eligible employees to claim years sooner and without the major reduction in monthly income that usually comes with a claim ahead of FRA.

Here's what the new bill would do, who it would benefit, and what's likely to happen next.

This proposed law would lower the Social Security claiming age

The proposed law that would reduce the Social Security claiming age is called the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act.

It was introduced by Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens with the goal of making full Social Security benefits available sooner to workers in physically demanding jobs who are not always able to work until the traditional full retirement age.

Since FRA is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, those who engage in physical work are often forced to retire before benefits become available, or to claim as soon as they turn 62 and see their monthly income significantly reduced because of it.

This Act would change all that by allowing workers in eligible jobs to claim their unreduced benefit starting at 60. That's a full seven years earlier than they must wait to start full benefits under today's rules.

Who would be eligible for Social Security benefits at 60?

The legislation currently targets workers who do manual labor jobs that require an extensive amount of physical exertion. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Construction workers
• Nurses
• Roofers
• Manufacturing workers

Under the terms of the bill, the Social Security Administration (SSA) would be directed to create a list of physically demanding jobs covered under the proposed law. The SSA would also be expected to update that list every three years.

How many years of physically demanding work would you need to be eligible?

Of course, some workers only work in a physically demanding job for a limited period of time. The legislation accounts for this as well.

Under the proposed law, you can earn points based on the number of years that you work in a qualifying profession. Specifically, you will earn:

• 0.5 points for each year worked from the ages of 18-34
• 1 point for each year worked from the ages of 35-44
• 1.5 points per year worked from the ages of 45-54
• 2 points per year worked from age 55 or over

Once someone has earned 15 points or has worked for 20 total years in a physically demanding job across their career, they will qualify for the earlier claiming age.

There are big trade-offs with this legislation

Congresswoman Stevens makes a strong case in support of the legislation, stating in a press release, "Michiganders who work with their hands shouldn't be forced to wait until their bodies give out to retire. If we want to honor the dignity of work in this country, we need to lower the retirement age for physical laborers."

Since workers in these professions face more physical demands than most, it may make sense to adjust for this reality by offering the chance to qualify for full benefits at a younger age.

However, Social Security is already facing a serious risk of running out of money as early as 2032. The program's Trustees warn that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund is expected to be depleted by that date, resulting in an automatic 22% cut to benefits unless lawmakers act.

Providing early benefits to potentially millions of workers would only add to the financial shortfall, potentially causing benefits to run out sooner for all retirees and making Social Security's funding problems harder to fix.

Will the Social Security reform bill pass?

At this point, it is unclear whether the legislation could pass Congress or not.

The bill has been introduced but would need to pass both the House and Senate and be signed into law by President Trump. Considering the challenges that lawmakers have had in agreeing to Social Security reforms in the past, its prospects remain uncertain.

Bottom line

Social Security benefits are an important income source, but under current rules, they don't become available until at least 62, and the full benefit isn't available until 67.

If you work in a job where you may need to retire early, it's very important to make the right moves to prepare for that financial reality. You cannot assume for sure that an early Social Security claim will be an option despite the new proposal.

You May Also Like

Almost 80% of Americans Fear a Retirement Age Increase — Here’s the Real Reason Why

By FinanceBuzz Editors

10 Smart Money Moves to Retire Stress Free

By FinanceBuzz Editors

The Easiest Way to Diversify Your Investment Portfolio With Fine Art

By FinanceBuzz Editors

7 Brilliant Ways to Build Wealth After 40

By FinanceBuzz Editors

5 Ways Seniors Are Throwing Away Money

By FinanceBuzz Editors

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of October 2026, Compared

By FinanceBuzz Editors

Save Money and Get Huge Discounts on Everyday Purchases

AARP Benefits

• Huge discounts on travel, groceries, prescriptions and more
• Access to financial planning resources and health tools
• Join AARP and get 25% off with automatic renewal

Become a member now!

---

Subscribe Today

Unlock the Best Banking Deals and Bonuses

From high-yield savings accounts to cashback checking and sign-up bonuses, we bring you the best banking offers to grow your money smarter.

or

SEE TOP BANKING OFFERS →

By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from FinanceBuzz and to the privacy policy and terms