hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Speeds up SSDI for terminally ill but cuts monthly payments by 7%.
Rep. Harshbarger (R-TN); Ways and Means Committee.
Introduced in House; referred to committee.
This bill lets people on the SSA Compassionate Allowance list (incurable, life expectancy under 5 years) skip the 5-month waiting period for SSDI if they accept a 7% benefit cut. It also bans getting SSDI and unemployment benefits at the same time, and lets SSA collect overpayments at a minimum of 10% of monthly benefits instead of 100%. The sponsor, Rep. Harshbarger, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees Social Security. The bill is still in committee and hasn't had a House vote yet.
Introduced Jan 15, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
For terminally ill patients with conditions like ALS or certain cancers, the 5-month SSDI waiting period would be waived, but their monthly benefit would be reduced by 7% permanently. The ban on concurrent SSDI and unemployment means someone temporarily disabled while unemployed would have to choose one. For overpayments, SSA currently can withhold 100% of benefits; this bill would let them withhold as little as 10%, giving recipients smaller but more affordable deductions.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it gives terminally ill patients faster access to benefits when they need them most, and prevents double-dipping with unemployment.
Critics Say
Critics argue the 7% benefit cut undermines financial security for dying patients, and requiring congressional approval for new conditions could delay help for emerging illnesses.
Supporters note the bill updates the Compassionate Allowance list via rulemaking but requires Congress to approve additions, ensuring accountability. Critics also worry that the ban on concurrent benefits could penalize those who are both disabled and actively job-seeking, though the bill explicitly states SSDI is for those unable to work.