#United States #Washington #Disability Benefits #SSDI #We Can't Wait

Restoring Fairness: The We Can't Wait Act

On March 20, 2026, the We Can't Wait Coalition commended U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for the introduction of a significant piece of bipartisan legislation known as The We Can't Wait Act. This initiative aims to allow disabled Americans to receive their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits immediately upon approval, eliminating the mandatory five-month waiting period currently in place.

For many individuals living with disabilities, the existing rule can lead to dire circumstances. Applicants are forced to navigate a stressful period where they may have to decide between timely medical treatment and meeting essential daily expenses. Despite having their disabilities confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the lengthy waiting time exacerbates their challenges, making life-threatening situations all the more likely.

Senator Collins and Senator Hassan's legislation is groundbreaking, as it targets a long-standing issue towards restoring fair access to essential benefits. Under The We Can't Wait Act, eligible Americans would have the option to forgo the five-month waiting period in exchange for a slight reduction in their monthly benefits. This amendment not only addresses the pressing needs of disabled individuals but also ensures that there will be no adverse impact on the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the foreseeable future.

Jason Turkish, a spokesperson for the We Can't Wait Coalition, stated, "Senators Collins and Hassan exemplify extraordinary leadership in advocating for fairness and choice for Americans with disabilities. The We Can't Wait Act presents a sensible, fiscally responsible solution to a long-ignored problem. For too long, disabled Americans have faced barriers to accessing the benefits they've earned through years of hard work. The five-month wait has forced many into situations that ultimately lead to bankruptcy or worse."

A Government Accountability Office report from 2020 highlighted the grave realities of lengthy SSDI application timelines, noting that over 100,000 disabled American workers passed away while waiting for a decision regarding their eligibility. Furthermore, approximately 50,000 workers filed for bankruptcy during this torturous wait for SSDI coverage. These findings underscore the urgency of reforming the current system to alleviate suffering and create a more compassionate process.

The We Can't Wait Act not only tackles the core issue of accessibility but does so in a manner that is responsible in terms of fiscal management as well. Key provisions of this legislation include:

• - An option for eligible individuals to skip the five-month waiting period and receive SSDI benefits without delay.
• - Assurance that the SSDI Trust Fund will maintain actuarial balance over the next 75 years.
• - Retention of existing SSDI eligibility and benefit policies for those who choose to defer their benefits for five months.
• - An online calculator provided by the SSA to help applicants understand their choices better.

This landmark proposal represents not just a policy change but a reaffirmation of the value that individuals with disabilities bring to society. As Mr. Turkish poignantly remarked, "The We Can't Wait Act honors the efforts of hard-working Americans with disabilities and dismantles an arbitrary barrier to the benefits they are entitled to receive. Senators Collins and Hassan have accurately captured the spirit of this legislation as 'straightforward, compassionate, and fiscally responsible.' It is crucial that the U.S. Senate expedites the passage of this essential reform."

The We Can't Wait Coalition, composed of various individuals and organizations dedicated to the advancement of the rights of people with disabilities, stands firmly behind this legislative effort. Their aim is not just to aid those in need but to drive social change that acknowledges and respects the contributions made by disabled Americans in their communities. As discussions around this legislation gain traction, the hope remains that it will soon become a reality for those who so deeply need it.