Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act of 2026

This bill aims to accelerate access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness. It amends the Social Security Act to provide phased-in payments during the standard five-month waiting period, offering earlier financial support to those facing severe health challenges. This initiative recognizes the urgent needs of terminally ill individuals by modifying existing benefit structures. Under the proposed changes, terminally ill individuals would receive 50 percent of their full monthly benefit in the first calendar month of disability and 75 percent in the second month. To qualify for these expedited payments, a terminal illness diagnosis, as defined for hospice care, must be certified by at least two independent physicians who are not related or in the same practice. This provision is designed to alleviate financial burdens during a critical time for beneficiaries. The legislation also includes mechanisms for benefit adjustment if individuals receive payments for extended periods, specifically after 12 and 24 consecutive months, which may result in slight reductions to account for the accelerated initial payments. Furthermore, it mandates comprehensive oversight through annual reports from the Social Security Administration and a one-time evaluation by the Government Accountability Office. These reports will assess the program's impact, expenditures, and recommend measures to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.