Stop the Wait Act of 2026

This bill would change Social Security disability insurance so that people no longer have to wait five months after becoming disabled before benefits begin. The waiting period would be shortened in steps: three months for applications filed in 2026 through 2028, two months in 2029, and one month in 2030, and it would be removed for applications filed on or after January 1, 2030, with the full change taking effect January 1, 2031. The bill would also let certain disability benefit recipients under age 65 get Medicare right away instead of waiting 24 months, if they would otherwise lack affordable health coverage. It would set up special Medicare enrollment periods for these individuals, including those already in the 24-month wait when the bill becomes law.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Andy Kim Democrat sponsor
• 8 cosponsors