A bill recently introduced in the US Congress would potentially reduce the wait time to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for some applicants. This is meant to address a shockingly common problem, where people pass away while waiting for the benefits they are legally entitled to. However, people who took advantage of the bill could see a reduction in their overall benefits, based on its current language.
Proposed Bill Would Accelerate SSDI/SSI Payments For Some Applicants
A newly proposed bill, the We Can’t Wait Act of 2026, was introduced by Representative Carol Miller (R-WV) along with a similar bill introduced in the Senate by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The bill seeks to substantially reduce the waiting time that SSDI and SSI recipients must deal with, for people with certain specific medical conditions that give them a short life expectancy. The goal is to help them get the benefits they need in a more timely fashion, rather than potentially waiting until it is too late.
Issues With Current Waiting Period
Under current law, anyone who successfully applies for SSDI or SSI benefits must wait at least five months before they can begin receiving their first check. Sadly, for people with certain severe medical conditions, this wait time is sufficiently long that they do not survive to collect on their benefits. This bill would accelerate this timeline to ensure people get their benefits more quickly, allowing them to actually receive the support they are owed.
The Consequences of Being Disabled
For many Americans, having a disability can be a daily struggle, especially if their condition is severe enough that they can no longer work. SSDI and SSI benefits can help alleviate some of this pain by helping people to pay their bills, despite losing access to their ordinary income. Sadly, the mandatory waiting period is more than many people can handle, and this legislation highlights the struggles that many disabled Americans deal with every day.
What You Should Do
If you have a medical or psychological condition that prevents you from working, you need to speak to a lawyer with experience handling SSDI and SSI claims. They can help you prepare your application to give you the best possible chance of success, and they can argue on your behalf if your application is denied and you need to appeal. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
