119th (2025–2027)
S. 4255
This bill allows terminally ill individuals to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments more quickly while they wait for formal approval of their disability claims. Specifically, people who submit diagnoses of terminal illness certified by at least two unrelated physicians can begin receiving partial SSDI benefits immediately: 50 percent of their full benefit amount in the first month and 75 percent in the second month. After 12 months of receiving these benefits, the payment amount gradually increases, reaching 95 percent of the full benefit after 24 months, at which point beneficiaries receive the remainder as a catch-up payment. The bill affects terminally ill individuals and their families who need financial assistance while their SSDI applications are being processed. The Social Security Administration must report annually to Congress on how many terminally ill individuals use this benefit, total costs, and any fraud concerns, while the Government Accountability Office must provide a broader evaluation within two years. The changes take effect for benefits paid starting January 1, 2027.