Barrasso, Brown Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expedite Social Security Benefits for Terminally Ill

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced bipartisan legislation to expedite the payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to individuals with terminal illnesses by eliminating the five-month waiting period.

"The last thing Americans facing end-of-life decisions should be concerned about is navigating Washington red tape," said Barrasso. "We need to make sure Americans facing significant hardships get help when they need it the most. Our bipartisan bill will ensure that people with terminal illnesses receive benefits in a timely manner while still preserving the integrity of the system."

"When Americans face terminal illness, they should be able to focus on their health instead of how they'll pay the bills," said Brown. "Social Security Disability Insurance is a lifeline for individuals who can't work because they are too sick. This bill would ensure that terminally ill patients can spend their final months without the added worry of knowing if or when they'll receive benefits."

In addition to Barrasso and Brown, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

Background:

The Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act, (S. 2262) expedites the payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to individuals who will not live long enough to receive any benefits under the five-month waiting period in existing law. Under the legislation, eligible individuals would begin receiving benefits in the first month. The breakdown of the benefit payments is provided below:

* First month: 50 percent of monthly benefits.

* Second month: 75 percent of monthly benefits.

* Third-twelfth months: 100 percent of monthly benefits.

* Year Two: The benefit amount for each month is the regular monthly benefit minus a pro rata share of the total amount of benefits paid during what would otherwise be the five- month waiting period.

* Year Three and beyond: The benefit amount for each month is 95 percent of the regular benefit.

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