This bill proposes to amend Title II of the Social Security Act, allowing disabled individuals to elect to receive disability insurance benefits during their standard waiting period . This election must be made in writing during specific application stages, such as initial application, reconsideration, or administrative law judge hearing, or within a defined period for pending applications. Individuals who choose this option will receive benefits earlier than currently permitted. However, electing early benefits means receiving a reduced monthly benefit amount . Initially, this reduction sets the benefit at 94.25% of the full amount for the first 36 months following the bill's effective date. Subsequent percentages will be calculated by the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration to ensure the option remains actuarially neutral for the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund over a 75-year period. This reduced benefit amount, once established, will remain unchanged for the entire period of eligibility. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Social Security to provide public information , including an online calculator, to help individuals understand the financial implications of electing early benefits. Furthermore, Social Security disability application forms must be updated within 180 days of enactment to include this new election option. The provisions of this Act will apply to all disability insurance benefit applications made or pending 180 days after its enactment.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
We Can't Wait Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-3924| Senate
| Updated: 2/25/2026
This bill proposes to amend Title II of the Social Security Act, allowing disabled individuals to elect to receive disability insurance benefits during their standard waiting period . This election must be made in writing during specific application stages, such as initial application, reconsideration, or administrative law judge hearing, or within a defined period for pending applications. Individuals who choose this option will receive benefits earlier than currently permitted. However, electing early benefits means receiving a reduced monthly benefit amount . Initially, this reduction sets the benefit at 94.25% of the full amount for the first 36 months following the bill's effective date. Subsequent percentages will be calculated by the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration to ensure the option remains actuarially neutral for the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund over a 75-year period. This reduced benefit amount, once established, will remain unchanged for the entire period of eligibility. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Social Security to provide public information , including an online calculator, to help individuals understand the financial implications of electing early benefits. Furthermore, Social Security disability application forms must be updated within 180 days of enactment to include this new election option. The provisions of this Act will apply to all disability insurance benefit applications made or pending 180 days after its enactment.