Compassionate Allowances Program Expanded to Assist Severely Ill Claimants

The Social Security Administration (SSA) helps provide expedited processing for medical conditions that are listed in the Compassionate Allowances program. These cases do not require any special criteria in order to qualify for disability benefits. Medical records just need to reflect a claimant’s diagnosis.

Below, we discuss the program’s latest expansion to assist severely ill claimants, including how the claim process works with Compassionate Allowances and how long it takes for the SSA to reach a decision.

Our attorneys are ready to help assist you with your disability application and answer any questions or concerns along the way. An initial consultation comes at no obligation or cost to you

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Latest Severe Conditions and Diseases Added

The Compassionate Allowances program is designed to quickly identify claimants with severe conditions or diseases that automatically meet the SSA’s disability standards.

These standards include the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental impairment that will either end in death or is expected to continue for at least 12 months.

Claims are often allowed simply based on a confirmed medical diagnosis. The program helps accelerate the disability application process for those who are more than likely to get approved for benefits due to the seriousness of their medical condition.

For instance, certain types of cancers, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and some rare disorders affecting children qualify under this program.

The most recent conditions added include:

You can view the full list of conditions here.

According to the SSA, more than 700,000 claimants have been approved through this fast-track benefits program, of which there are currently 254 recognized Compassionate Allowances conditions. 

Applying for a Compassionate Allowance

You do not actually apply for a Compassionate Allowance. The SSA reviews all disability applications to determine the individuals with conditions or diseases that qualify for this program.

These cases are selected for fast-processing based solely on the medical records provided by the claimant. (Anyone who decides to apply for disability benefits must submit his or her medical records for the SSA to make an accurate disability determination.)

If these records meet the SSA’s criteria, the case will be fast-tracked for a decision. Compassionate Allowances apply to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Since proof of a condition is enough to assume disability, these cases are approved in less time.

How Quickly Are Compassionate Allowances Processed?

Unlike most claims, Compassionate Allowances are processed within a matter of days rather than weeks or months. Due to the availability of electronic records transmission, the SSA can rapidly receive the medical information of a claimant, review this information and make a fast determination.

However, it is important to note that for SSDI claims, the mandatory five-month waiting period is not waived, even if your disability application is approved for expedited processing. Although the Compassionate Allowances program helps to speed up a disability determination, SSDI claimants with a qualifying condition must wait five months after approval to begin receiving disability benefits.

Advantages of Having Legal Representation 

The sooner the SSA has objective medical evidence of a severe condition, the faster a claim may be considered for expedited processing. This is where it can be advantageous to hire experienced legal representation. Our Social Security Disability attorneys in Phoenix are well-versed in the type of evidence the SSA requires and are prepared to gather this evidence from your doctor or specialist.

An attorney at our firm is here to communicate with the agency on your behalf and guide you through the claims process. If your application is denied (which happens often and should not deter you from getting benefits), he or she could help appeal the decision and ensure you meet the filing deadlines.

Learn More About Qualifying for Disability Benefits

Dayes Law Firm over the years has helped many SSDI and SSI claimants receive the disability benefits they need. We offer 100 percent free no-obligation consultations and only get paid if we obtain a recovery. Reach out anytime, day or night, to learn more about your rights and legal options.

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