PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 117-3.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Mar 23, 2021
This bill retroactively eliminates the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for certain individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Under current law, most SSDI recipients must wait five months after becoming disabled before their benefit payments may begin. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 eliminated the waiting period for individuals with ALS but only covers individuals who apply for benefits after the date of enactment (December 20, 2020). As a result, individuals with ALS who applied for SSDI benefits in the five months before that date are still subject to the waiting period. This bill eliminates the waiting period for those individuals.
People & committees
Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN] · R–IN
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 117-3.
Became Public Law No: 117-3.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table. Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed without objection. (text: CR H1334)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection.(text: CR H1334)
Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H1334)
Mr. Thompson (CA) asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table and consider.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1022; text: CR S1029)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S1022; text: CR S1029)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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