When Can SSD Applicants Receive Compassionate Allowances?

 Posted on February 08, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Social Security provides financial support to people in multiple situations, including individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. However, it can sometimes take months, or even years, to receive approval for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has established a compassionate allowances program to expedite the claims process for those with certain severe medical conditions. This may allow certain people to have their applications for disability benefits approved more quickly than they would be under normal circumstances. It is important for disability applicants to understand when compassionate allowances may be available and the steps they can take to ensure that they receive the financial assistance they need.

What Is a Compassionate Allowance?

The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program provides an expedited process for SSD applicants with certain medical conditions. These applicants can have their claims processed in a much shorter amount of time than other applicants, because the Social Security Administration recognizes that these conditions are so severe that it is clear the applicant meets the criteria for disability benefits. This means that instead of going through the entire application and review process, which can often last for multiple months or years, these individuals can get approved for disability benefits much more quickly.

The SSA maintains a list of over 200 conditions that qualify for compassionate allowances, including certain cancers, rare diseases and disorders, and degenerative neurological conditions. This list is regularly updated as new medical information comes out about different illnesses and disabilities. Qualifying conditions include rare diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as more common illnesses such as certain types of dementia and malignant multiple sclerosis. Forms of cancer that will usually qualify for compassionate allowances include adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute leukemia, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast, ovarian, stomach, intestinal, or bladder cancer that is inoperable or has metastasized throughout the body.

How Can Applicants Receive Compassionate Allowances?

In order to receive a compassionate allowance, an applicant must provide sufficient medical evidence that they meet all of the requirements for SSD benefits - namely, that they are unable to do any substantial gainful activity due to their condition or impairment(s). Specific documentation such as doctor’s notes and laboratory findings will need to be provided in order to prove eligibility. Additionally, an applicant must also meet all of the other technical requirements for SSD benefits in terms of income level and work history.

The best way for an applicant to determine whether they qualify for a compassionate allowance is to consult with their doctor about their symptoms and diagnosis. A doctor will be able to provide an official diagnosis of the person's condition and help them understand whether their condition is on the CAL list maintained by Social Security.

Contact Our Chicago Social Security Disability Attorney for Compassionate Allowances

The compassionate allowance program allows people with very serious disabilities or illnesses to receive financial assistance in a timely manner. However, it is important to remember that not everyone will qualify for this expedited process. If you are planning to apply for SSD benefits, you should make sure you understand all of the requirements that will apply to you before submitting your application. At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, our Illinois Social Security disability application lawyer can assist with this process and help you determine your best options for receiving benefits as quickly as possible. To set up a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, contact our office at 312-999-0999.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/

https://blog.ssa.gov/how-our-expanded-compassionate-allowances-program-helps-people-with-severe-disabilities/

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/module13final-workbook-508pdf