When a person applies and is approved for Social Security disability benefits, there is typically a five-month waiting period from the date one becomes disabled to the date benefits can begin. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., introduced legislation (S. 4133) on May 4th to "provide for phased-in payment of Social Security Disability Insurance payments during the waiting period for individuals with a terminal illness."

The bill has nine co-sponsors: Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, Christopher Coons, D-Del., Margaret Wood Hassan, D-N.H., Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., Cynthia M. Lummis, R-Wyo., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Jack Reed, D-R.I. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.