We Can't Wait Act

Summary#

This bill changes Social Security disability rules so some people can choose to get disability insurance payments during the usual waiting period. If a person makes a written choice in certain time windows, the monthly payment for the rest of their benefit period is set at a fixed fraction of the normal benefit. For the first 36 months after the program start date, that fraction is 94.25 percent. Later, the fraction may change based on calculations by the Social Security Chief Actuary and a certification decision by the Commissioner. The bill also requires the Chief Actuary to calculate a percentage that would make the long-term cost (over 75 years) the same if everyone chose the option as if no one chose it. The Commissioner must post public information and a calculator on a website, and application forms must be updated so applicants can choose or revoke the option.

What it means for you#

• If you apply for Social Security disability insurance (DI) and you have not reached early retirement age, you may be able to elect in writing to receive DI payments during the DI waiting period.
• The bill defines several places and times you can make the election (for pending applications, for new applications, when asking for reconsideration or a hearing, and by a representative payee in some cases).
• If you elect this option, your monthly DI payment for any month during or after the waiting period will equal the regular DI amount multiplied by the percentage that applies in the month you first become entitled. That reduced payment stays the same for your whole period of eligibility and can be included in any past-due payment calculation.
• A representative payee can confirm or revoke the election in a short window when appointed. Elections or revocations cannot happen in the first month of an established eligibility period.
• The ability to elect applies to applications made or pending on or after the first day of the first month that begins 180 days after the date of enactment. The Social Security Administration must update forms within 180 days after enactment and must publish information and a calculator online.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated federal costs or savings is included in the bill text. The bill does require the Chief Actuary to run long-term (75-year) fiscal calculations and the Commissioner to post information and update forms, which would involve administrative work. The bill also sets a schedule for an initial percentage (94.25%) for 36 months and requires later actuarial reviews and possible certification or reporting to Congress, but it does not give dollar cost estimates.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information on proponents' statements or arguments is included in the bill text. The bill itself creates a new election option, an initial percentage (94.25%), procedures for actuarial review, and public information requirements.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' statements or arguments is included in the bill text.