Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Van Drew
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create the Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Program to provide a one-time $150,000 payment to U.S. thalidomide survivors. It would also exclude those payments from federal income tax and from counts of income or assets for means-tested welfare programs, and it sets a petition deadline of May 31, 2034.
Show full summary
- Survivors: People harmed by thalidomide who were U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents at the time of exposure and at petition filing could submit one petition. If the Secretary of Health and Human Services finds the petition meets the criteria, the petitioner would receive $150,000.
- Households on federal benefits: Payments under the program would not count as income or assets for a long list of means-tested programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, energy and utility help, and education or job training supports.
- Administration and oversight: HHS would establish the program within a year, use an expert panel to review petitions, report annually to Congress on outcomes and funding, and may pay additional amounts after review subject to available appropriations for fiscal years 2028 through 2034 as the Secretary certifies necessary funds.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
One-time $150,000 for thalidomide survivors
If enacted, HHS would set up a new program within 1 year. You could file one petition with medical proof of thalidomide exposure and injury. You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of exposure and when you file. The deadline to file would be May 31, 2034. An expert panel would review claims. If approved, you would get a one-time $150,000 payment.
Program payments would be tax-free
If enacted, money you receive from this program would not be taxable income. The exclusion would apply to amounts received after the enactment date, in tax years ending after that date.
Funding and yearly reviews of program
If enacted, HHS would review the program within 1 year of launch and every year after. Within 60 days of each review, it would publish a report to Congress. The report would cover how many people were paid, how funds were used, if payments are adequate, and recommended changes. Congress could fund the program each year from 2028 through 2034 as the Secretary certifies the need. Those funds would still need yearly approval.
Possible extra payments after review
If enacted, after each yearly review and if money is available, HHS could make extra payments to people who already got compensation. These payments could help with ongoing medical or other needs. These extra payments would also not count in means-tested benefit tests.
Program payments won't affect other benefits
If enacted, program payments would not count as income or assets for means-tested aid. This could protect Medicaid, SNAP, housing help, and similar programs. Special rules would apply to the refundable parts of the earned income and child tax credits, to Affordable Care Act premium and cost-sharing subsidies, and to free or reduced-price school meals. State and local aid paid only with non-Federal funds would not be treated as means-tested.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Van Drew
NJ • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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