[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RAISING THE SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY AMOUNT FOR PERSONS WITH SPINAL 
                             CORD INJURIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2001

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill that 
would provide Social Security disability beneficiaries with severe 
spinal cord injuries the same protections as are afforded the blind.
  Many people who suffer from spinal cord injuries are unable to earn a 
living, and receive Social Security disability.
  My legislation seeks to help those who have overcome their 
debilitating injury, and are able to work.
  Under current law, recipients of Social Security disability are 
eligible for benefits if they are unable to earn no more than the 
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount, which is $740/month.
  The Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 increased the SGA 
amount for blind individuals to $1000/month. The provision allows blind 
individuals to qualify for Social Security disability even if their 
income is $1000/month. In 2001, the monthly SGA amount was raised to 
$1,240/month.
  My bill would raise the SGA amount for persons with spinal cord 
injuries to $1,240/month. These individuals should not be discouraged 
from earning income that could supplement their disability payments.
  Social Security disability benefits should not be withdrawn from 
persons with spinal cord injuries because they have the courage to 
return to work.
  I urge my colleagues to join as cosponsors of this legislation.

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