S4255119th CongressWALLET

Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Barrasso, John [R-WY]

Introduced

Summary

Phased-in SSDI payments for terminally ill beneficiaries. This bill would create phased-in Social Security Disability Insurance payments for people with terminal illnesses. The amendments apply to benefits payable for months beginning after December 31, 2026.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Phased disability payments for terminal illness

If enacted, this would change monthly SSDI payments for people certified as terminally ill. The first month of entitlement would pay 50% of the usual benefit. The second month would pay 75% of the usual benefit. If you stay entitled for 12 consecutive months, the next 12 months would pay your usual benefit minus (the total paid in the earliest five months divided by 12). If you stay entitled for 24 consecutive months, later months would pay 95% of the usual benefit. These rules would apply to benefits payable for months beginning after December 31, 2026.

Two-doctor certification for terminal illness

If enacted, you would need a terminal illness diagnosis certified by at least two physicians to get the SSDI terminal-illness determination. The two doctors could not be related under IRC section 267(c)(4) and could not work in the same group practice. This requirement would apply to determinations for benefits payable for months beginning after December 31, 2026. The new rule could delay or limit some determinations for applicants.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Barrasso, John [R-WY]

WY • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

    NH • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]

    WY • R

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]

    RI • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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