Contact Congress about H.R. 7104: Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act

Some people with terminal illnesses could get Social Security disability checks without the usual wait. They would get a smaller monthly check, and the choice would be final. The bill also blocks disability and unemployment checks for the same month.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Latest action on H.R. 7104: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people applying for Social Security disability because of severe terminal illnesses. It also affects people who might receive both disability and unemployment pay in the same month. Family members who get benefits based on a disabled worker's record could also lose payments for those months. Social Security, federal agencies, and state unemployment offices would have to share more information to enforce the rule.

Why this matters: Terminally ill people often need income quickly, and this bill could make disability checks arrive sooner for some of them. The tradeoff is a smaller monthly check and a final choice that cannot be reversed. The bill could also reduce overlapping government payments when someone gets both disability and unemployment pay. Its effect will depend on which illnesses make the list and how quickly Congress approves future changes.

Key provisions in H.R. 7104

• Some disabled people with incurable terminal illnesses could get SSDI in the first month they qualify. They would not have to wait through the usual waiting period.
• The faster-payment option would cover only conditions on a list from the Social Security Commissioner. The list must be updated every five years and include only Compassionate Allowance conditions with no known cure and an average life expectancy of five years or less from diagnosis.
• People who choose faster SSDI would get 93% of the normal monthly amount. They must make the choice when they apply, and they cannot change it later.
• The new faster-benefit rules would apply to disability applications filed six months or more after the law takes effect.
• Congress would have to approve any new disease or condition added to Social Security's Compassionate Allowance Conditions list. Approval would need a law or joint resolution.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 7104

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 7104

What is H.R. 7104?

Some people with terminal illnesses could get Social Security disability checks without the usual wait. They would get a smaller monthly check, and the choice would be final. The bill also blocks disability and unemployment checks for the same month.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 7104?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 7104?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.R. 7104?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.