Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act

HR 6427, the Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act, allows individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness meeting specific criteria to receive Social Security disability benefits without the standard waiting period. To qualify, a person must have a condition listed on the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowance list that has a life expectancy of five years or less with no known cure. If they choose this option, their monthly benefit amount is reduced to 93% of the standard rate, and the election is permanent upon application. This change directly affects terminally ill individuals who qualify under the published list, which the Social Security Commissioner must update every five years.