A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``We Can't Wait Act of 2026'' aims to amend the Social Security Act regarding disability insurance benefits. It allows disabled individuals to elect to receive benefits during their mandatory waiting period. This election can be made in writing via a benefit application form. The bill establishes specific timeframes for making or revoking these elections. It also sets a specific percentage for the benefit amount during this period. Finally, it includes provisions for the Commissioner to update forms and provide public information.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +7
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets increasing the speed of benefit delivery for disabled individuals.
- Scored +6
Does this strengthen Social Security?
The bill amends the Social Security Act to allow earlier access to disability benefits.
- Scored +5
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?
The bill enhances rights by providing faster access to financial support for disabled individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Early Access to Funds: Disabled individuals may elect to receive disability insurance benefits during their waiting period rather than waiting until the period ends (Section 2, paragraph 3(A)).
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Benefit Stability: For those who elect to receive benefits during the waiting period, the benefit amount continues unchanged for the entire period of eligibility and is not subject to recalculations (Section s 2, paragraph 3(B)(ii)).
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Inclusion of Past-Due Benefits: If applicable, these benefits can be paid as part of a claim for past-due benefits and included in the total dollar amount (Section 2, paragraph 3(B)(iii)).
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Public Transparency and Planning: The Commissioner is required to post information on a website, including a calculator, so individuals can determine how this election affects their specific benefit amount (Section 2, paragraph 3(F)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reduced Benefit Percentage: Individuals electing to receive benefits during the waiting period will receive a benefit amount based on a specific percentage rather than the full amount; this percentage is set at 94.25 percent for the first 36-month period (Section 2, paragraph 3(C)(i)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill amends the Social Security Act to allow earlier access to disability benefits. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill enhances rights by providing faster access to financial support for disabled individuals. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Providing earlier access to benefits can help mitigate poverty for disabled individuals during waiting periods.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets increasing the speed of benefit delivery for disabled individuals. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides faster access to essential funds for those with disabilities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates posting information and a calculator on a website to improve transparency.
- 9/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/31/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Suzan DelBeneDemocrat · Washington
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York