Bill Being Introduced to Eliminate Disability Wait Times For the Terminally Ill

April 1, 2013

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.

Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin 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.