Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act of 2026

Changes to SSDI for terminal illness

This bill would change how SSDI checks are paid when entitlement is based on a certified terminal illness. For months starting after December 31, 2026, the first month of such entitlement would pay 50% of the regular SSDI amount and the second month would pay 75%. Months 3–12 would pay the regular SSDI amount. For months 13–24, each monthly payment would equal the regular SSDI amount minus a quotient equal to the total SSDI paid in the earliest five consecutive terminal-illness months divided by 12. After 24 months, each month would pay 95% of the regular SSDI amount. The bill would also require that the terminal diagnosis be certified by at least two physicians who are not related and are not in the same physician group practice.