Chris Dodd: “today I am introducing the Claire Collier Social Security Disability Insurance Fairness Act. This legislation will…”

“today I am introducing the Claire Collier Social Security Disability Insurance Fairness Act. This legislation will ensure that individuals suffering from certain terminal diseases are entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits. Under current law, an individual who contracts a covered terminal illness, and who has not been part of the workforce for a period of time, may not qualify for Social Security disability benefits they would otherwise be entitled to. This bill is named after Claire Collier, a Stamford, Connecticut mother of three, who I first met a few years ago after she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, in 2003. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, first strikes the nerve cells, then weakens the muscles, causes paralysis and tragically leads to death. Three years ago, Claire applied for Social Security disability benefits. However, she was denied the benefits because she did not have enough work credits. Ms. Collier, who worked for more than 15 years as an events planner, does not qualify for Social Security disability benefits, even though she paid Social Security and Medicare taxes for more than 15 years.”