Sen. Susan Collins, with Sen. Maggie Hassan, introduced the bipartisan We Can’t Wait Act to allow SSDI claimants to opt to receive benefits immediately upon approval instead of waiting five months, in exchange for a modest, actuarially sound reduction in monthly benefits.
The bill responds to documented hardships caused by the five-month waiting period—difficulty affording medical care and living expenses, bankruptcies, and deaths before final decisions—and builds on the 2020 ALS law that eliminated the wait for that disease.
The SSA Chief Actuary says the proposed reduction preserves actuarial balance over a 75-year period, and the bill makes no other changes to SSDI eligibility, the determination process, or benefit levels for those who choose to wait.
The measure is supported by a broad coalition of disability advocacy organizations and is presented as a compassionate, fiscally responsible reform that Congress should adopt.
Read more about the We Can’t Wait Act on Susan Collins’ website.
Mobile accessibility tells half the story
September 8, 2026
I audited five public design systems. The one built for mobile, Material 3, hands designers accessibility as first-class properties. The web still treats the same
Mark SMiller is a digital accessibility consultant who helps organizations build accessible, inclusive digital experiences. He speaks regularly at industry conferences,, CSUN, CVENt and apperes on many webinars and podace. , He trains teams on practical, sustainable accessibility workflows.
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