Frates Bill Signed into Law


The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act – a bill championed by the late Pete Frates – is now law. The act ensures that individuals diagnosed with degenerative nerve disease are eligible for immediate Social Security Insurance benefits.

According to an article published by The Salem News, “It waives a standard five-month waiting period before benefits can begin for individuals, even after they become disabled. Frates, a Beverly native who brought worldwide attention to ALS until his death in December 2019 just shy of his 35th birthday, launched the effort for this legislative initiative with his family four years ago. It soon drew support from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem.”

Relevant pages: Social Security Disability