Everything you need to know about qualifying and applying for expedited benefits.
When you, or someone you love is diagnosed with a debilitating illness receiving benefits as soon as possible can mean the difference between a comfortable healing process or a stressful one. The Compassionate Allowances Initiative was established to assist in expediting claims for urgent cases, cutting down benefit wait time from months to weeks.
What qualifies for the Compassionate Allowances Initiative?
Cases that are given priority, include, but are not limited to certain forms of cancers, muscular dystrophy and/or atrophy, respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and more.
A complete list of qualifying conditions can be found on the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm.
What medical evidence is required?
If you have a claim that is likely to be expedited due to urgency, clinical reports will be required. This medical evidence should be recent and comprehensive from the period of when you became disabled to the present date. These records also need to exhibit that you are unable to perform work-related activities due to the severity of your condition.
Medical evidence for a disability case can include (but not limited to):
- Physician Examination
- MRI/CAT Scan
- X-rays
- Mental Health Records
- Blood Work Panels
How do I apply?
There is no special application for the Compassionate Allowances program, but you can contact your Social Security office directly if you have been waiting one month or more on your claim. Be sure to inquire about your claim and request consideration under the Compassionate Allowances initiative.
What if my condition isn’t approved?
If you are clearly disabled, yet your condition does not currently qualify you for a compassionate allowance, you may file for a QDD (Quick Disability Determination) to request your condition be added to the list of accepted disabilities.
Even if your medical condition isn’t on the Compassionate Allowances list, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI if certain criteria are met. Click here to take this free, no obligation evaluation to see how much you may qualify to receive ≫
