Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act

This bill amends the Social Security Act to provide immediate access to disability insurance benefits for individuals diagnosed with specific incurable terminal illnesses . To qualify, the medical condition must be on a list published by the Commissioner of Social Security, based on the Compassionate Allowance Conditions, with an average life expectancy not exceeding five years and no known cure. Individuals who elect this option will receive a reduced benefit amount , specifically 93% of the otherwise determined benefit, and this election is irrevocable and must be made at the time of application. The legislation also prohibits the concurrent receipt of Social Security disability insurance benefits and unemployment compensation , mandating that disability benefits be reduced to zero for any month in which both are received. Additionally, it requires Congressional approval , through a bill or joint resolution, for any new diseases or medical conditions to be added to the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowance Conditions list. The bill further grants the Commissioner of Social Security greater flexibility in collecting overpayments, allowing for a monthly reduction of benefits by a smaller amount, but not less than 10%, if a full reduction would cause undue hardship.