House Bill Would Let SSDI Recipients Tap Benefits 5 Months Early
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Sep 1
House Bill Would Let SSDI Recipients Tap Benefits 5 Months Early
3 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Sep 1
Summary
Rep. Carol Miller introduced the We Can't Wait Act of 2026, a House bill that would let eligible SSDI recipients start collecting payments during the current five-month waiting period.
The option would be voluntary: beneficiaries who want earlier cash would accept a modest permanent cut in monthly checks, with the Social Security Administration's chief actuary setting the reduction to keep the trust fund cost-neutral.
Current law generally delays SSDI payments for 5 months after approval, a gap sponsors say can be devastating for people with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities who have lost wages but still face medical and housing bills.
A 2020 GAO report cited by backers found about 48,000 people filed for bankruptcy while awaiting disability appeal decisions between FY2014 and FY2019, and 109,725 died before a final appeal decision between FY2008 and FY2019.
A bipartisan Senate version introduced in February is before the Finance Committee, while the House companion bill now goes to Ways and Means; both chambers must pass matching versions before it can reach the president.