The application process for receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is notoriously slow. Unfortunately, this reality doesn’t always allow people with rapidly progressing conditions to receive the benefits they need because there’s a risk of succumbing to their condition during the approval process.
As a result, the Social Security Administration (SSA) utilizes the Compassionate Allowances List to combat that risk. This is a list of conditions that are so severe that it’s presumed the person will qualify for disability benefits because of the effects of them or the short life expectancy associated with the condition.
How do you claim a compassionate allowance?
Applications for SSDI include information about what conditions you have that qualify you for benefits. The automated system flags applications that include conditions that are on the Compassionate Allowances List. Once an application for SSDI is received that qualifies for the Compassionate Allowances program, it goes through a fast-track approval process. This enables them to get benefits faster, which can help to provide them with some financial relief without the long wait times.
Because Compassionate Allowances List conditions are automatically flagged, including accurate diagnosis information in the application is important. The conditions you list on the application must have the appropriate medical documentation to show the diagnosis.
What conditions are on the list?
The SSA continually evaluates the conditions on the list. The public can recommend new conditions for evaluation. Currently, there are more than 100 conditions on the list. Some of these include:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- ALS/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex
- Ewing Sarcoma
- Hepatoblastoma
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Multiple System Atrophy
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
- Certain Small Cell Cancers
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Pedicardial Mesothelioma
- Sanfilippo Syndrome
- Hurler Syndrome
- Hunter Syndrome
- Certain Heart Transplant Wait List Patients
- Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
All applicants for SSDI must submit an accurate application for benefits. While the compassionate allowances program should speed up the approval process for some applicants, it’s always best to have someone on your side who can assist you. Seeking legal guidance may be especially beneficial if you are concerned about getting your benefits as soon as you possibly can.