http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills info@washingtonwatch.com http://www.pjdoland.com/chai/?v=0.1 http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_1289.html#84503 this is an update to my previous comment. My mother passed away on August 5, 2009. 4 Months prior to when her Social Security benefits would have kicked in. Please help to support this bill and get it passed into law. CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND ASK FOR THEIR SUPPORT AS A CO - SPONSOR to HR 1289 the Social Security Fairness for the Terminally Ill Act of 2009. Someday it could be you or someone you love facing a terminal illness, unable to access your benefits because of an arbitrary waiting period. Please help.... 84503@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:38:29 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_1289.html#60625 My mother recently applied for SS after she was diagnosed with inoperable/terminal liver cancer (at age 57). She was given a 6 month life expectancy by her Dr. but was told by SS that if she was approved for benefits she would not receive them for the first five months. This is illogical and unnecessary. If you are terminally ill and unable to work, you need the benefits as soon as possible. There should be no wait time and the application and approval process should take no longer than 30 days. This bill is essential and should include an eligibility determination that includes a retroactive period for any individual who has applied within the 6 months prior to the bill going into effect. Eligibility should also be extended to anyone given a life expectancy of 1 year or less, and/or is only being offered palliative care due to the incurable and terminal nature of their illness.... 60625@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:36:18 EDT