With the average wait time for a decision to be reached on a Social Security Disability Claim inching towards almost a year, lawmakers are looking for ways to improve the efficiency of the process. In fact, one New York House delegate has introduced a bill that would put terminally ill patients on a fast-track to receiving benefits.
According to Channel 12 News, Rep. Steve Israel plans to introduce a bill that would wave those suffering from terminal conditions from having to wait a required five-month period to get benefits. Israel explained the bill was created after hearing the story of a 64-year-old woman who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was told she had less than a year to live. She soon stopped work to begin treatment and vigorously applied for Social Security Disability; however, she was told she would have to wait five-months before receiving her first benefit.
Israel called it “outrageous” that someone with limited life expectancy does not receive benefits in a more timely manner. He went on the explain his bill will be introduced to a House committee in the next several weeks.
Newlin Disability and their team of Social Security Disability Lawyers are hopeful the bill will be successful in making benefits more accessible to those with the most need.
