While the application process for disability benefits can take several months to over a year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes every effort to ensure that those who qualify for compassionate allowances are approved quickly and efficiently.
The wait time to receive disability benefits is greatly reduced because the SSA provides expedited processing for serious medical conditions listed in the Compassionate Allowances list or CAL. These cases do not have special criteria to qualify for disability.
If you need help applying for disability or have been previously denied, our legal team is prepared to guide you through the claims or appeals process. An initial consultation is 100 percent free of charge.
Compassionate Allowances in SSD Claims
The SSA created the Compassionate Allowances program to help speed up the initial claims process for applicants with a disabling condition that qualifies as a Compassionate Allowance.
The list compiled by the agency has over 230 qualifying conditions, including metastatic or fast-growing cancers, rare and genetic diseases, brain disorders and terminal illnesses.
Compassionate Allowance cases are those that involve severe impairments that, by definition, would meet the SSA’s criteria for a disability. This means you must be deemed disabled, unable to work because of your disability and that your disability is expected to last no less than a year or end in death.
Should you have a condition not listed or does not currently qualify you for a compassionate allowance, it is important to check the SSA’s website as this list is periodically updated. You also have the option to submit the name of a condition for consideration.
Applying for Disability With a Compassionate Allowance
If you have a condition on the CAL list, it important to apply for Social Security Disability benefits right away and make sure that your condition is clearly documented and supported by medical evidence.
The medical evidence you would need to submit depends on the nature of your condition. For instance, most of these cases are cancer-related. You may be required to submit your biopsy report along with a letter from your treating doctor or a hospital discharge summary.
Unlike applying for other disabling conditions, you need to provide just enough basic medical information to establish your diagnosis so that the SSA can make a determination.
How Compassionate Allowance Cases Are Handled
The SSA has a system in place that automatically places those with a compassionate allowance above others to make sure that their applications are handled quickly. Generally, an initial disability claim with a compassionate allowance is processed within a matter of days.
Should you have a qualifying condition on the CAL list, but have not heard back within a month of applying for disability benefits, it is important to contact the SSA. You could also reach out to a licensed Phoenix Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm to help handle the claims process on your behalf.
Although most cases are processed efficiently, a lawyer could still help make sure that you meet the requirements needed for your condition to be listed in the program and to begin receiving disability benefits.
Other Expedited Disability Decisions
If you meet how the SSA defines a disability, but your condition fails to qualify for a compassionate allowance, you may be eligible to file for a Quick Disability Determination or QQD. A QQD can be used if you have an apparent disability that does not allow you to maintain steady work.
SSA also expedites claims and fast-tracks disability decisions when the impairment is specifically a terminal illness under the terminal illness program (TERI).
Reach Out to a Disability Lawyer Today
If you are unsure if you are eligible for a compassionate allowance, consult with Dayes Law Firm today. You may qualify for another program that could expedite your claim. We have helped many individuals over the years obtain the disability benefits they need.
There is no risk in calling us to set up a consultation to learn more about your legal options. Our initial consultations are free with no obligations involved. You pay us nothing unless we win your claim.
Gives us a call anytime at 1-800-503-2000.