Miller introduces bill to give disabled Americans faster access to Social Security benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVVA) — U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) introduced the We Can’t Wait Act on Wednesday, aiming to eliminate a five-month waiting period for individuals eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Under current law, even after the Social Security Administration determines an individual is disabled and eligible for SSDI, they must wait five months before receiving their first payment. For those unable to work, that delay can lead to debt, foreclosure or missed medical care.

The proposed legislation would give newly approved beneficiaries the choice to receive their earned benefits immediately in exchange for a modestly reduced monthly benefit, maintaining what lawmakers call an actuarially sound structure.

“The We Can’t Wait Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that gives Americans greater access to the benefits they have earned when they need them most,” Miller said. “Someone who has been determined disabled and unable to work should not have to face an extensive wait for the support they depend on.”