Bill > S657

This bill, called the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act of 2025, amends the Social Security Act to provide retirement benefits for U.S. nationals who were unlawfully detained or held hostage abroad. The bill defines a "qualifying individual" as a U.S. national who was wrongfully detained or taken hostage, as determined by specific government agencies like the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell. For each "qualifying month" of detention or hostage status (but not beyond the individual's retirement age), the person will be credited with deemed wages equal to one-twelfth of the national average wage index for the relevant year. To receive these benefits, the individual (or their representative) must submit an application to the Social Security Commissioner with documentation from a federal agency confirming their detention or hostage status. The bill requires the Social Security Commissioner to establish application and certification procedures within one year of the act's enactment, and the amendments will take effect a specified number of months after the act is enacted. This legislation aims to provide financial security for U.S. citizens who have experienced significant hardship while abroad by ensuring they do not lose potential Social Security benefits during periods of unlawful detention or hostage situations.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/657/all-info