We Can't Wait Act of 2026

The We Can't Wait Act of 2026 allows individuals applying for Social Security disability benefits to elect to receive payments during the standard 5-month waiting period instead of waiting for benefits to begin. To qualify, applicants must make a written election within specific timeframes, such as 45 days after the bill's effective date or during their application process. If elected, benefits are paid at 94.25% of the standard amount for the first 36 months and remain unchanged for the entire benefit period, without future recalculations. The Social Security Administration must update application forms to include this option and provide a public calculator to help applicants understand the impact.