In late 2016, the 11 million people that rely on Social Security’s Disability Insurance program will see their benefits cut by 19 percent. The Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund, which supplies the program’s funding through a reserve of payroll tax revenues, will run out of money. As a result, the program will be able to pay out only as much as it takes in, about 81 percent of the promised benefits.

The sooner Congress takes action to fix this looming catastrophe, the better. Early action would reassure beneficiaries who depend on the program and ensure that a wide array of viable, substantial solutions are on the table.