WORK ALWAYS PAYS ACT
Summary
Creates the Work Always Pays Act. Provide that a State-administered benefit program shall not reduce benefits by more than $0.50 for each $1.00 increase in a household's earned income. If an increase in earned income results in a reduction of net household resources compared to the level in effect immediately prior to the increase, then the household shall be eligible for a bridge credit. Provides that the amount of the bridge credit shall equal the difference between: (i) the household's net household resources immediately prior to the increase in earned income; and (ii) the household's net household resources after the increase in earned income and corresponding benefit adjustments. Provides that a household that experiences an increase in earned income shall be subject to a 90-day earnings buffer period. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2027.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026
Last action Feb 10, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 10, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Regan Deering
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 5377
Scope: IL
Hi! I can help you understand HB 5377. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline