Coats submitted amendments that would reform the existing program to ensure that it is paid for and benefits are going to those actively looking for work. One of those amendments includes prohibiting simultaneous collection of Social Security disability insurance and unemployment insurance. By law, a person must be able to work to qualify for unemployment benefits, yet some people claiming unemployment benefits also request Social Security disability benefits. This would save roughly $6 billion.
Coats also proposes addressing abuse of the child tax credit. This amendment would require the submission of a valid Social Security number in order to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Under current law, the IRS has determined that those not legally residing in the United States can receive the child tax credit. This would save an estimated $27 billion.
A delay in the Obamacare mandate and verification of employment search are also included in Coats’ proposed amendments. The Obamacare delay would save approximately $35 billion.
