Thanks to the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances program, those people suffering from one of 225 recognized medical conditions that would otherwise clearly satisfy the agency’s existing disability standards can see their application for disability benefits expedited.
Indeed, statistics show that those people whose applications are pushed to the front of the line thanks to the Compassionate Allowances program stand a much better chance of ultimately securing disability benefits.
In light of these advantages, there is a near constant urging among many advocacy groups for the SSA to expand the list. This urging increases considerably in the weeks prior to the agency’s annual meeting to discuss what conditions, if any, should be added to the program.
To illustrate, two medical conditions that many advocates are now calling on the SSA to add to the Compassionate Allowances program include both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
For those unfamiliar with these inflammatory bowel diseases, they can prove to be especially debilitating, often resulting in flare-ups, complications and other medical issues that necessitate a strict medication regimen and/or surgical intervention.
It goes without saying then that many of the more than 1.6 million people suffering from either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are often prevented from working for prolonged periods thanks to hospitalization and/or recovery time.
While the SSA does recognize both conditions as a disability, advocates say sufferers are nevertheless forced to undertake the lengthy application process to secure disability benefits, which often results in the need to reapply for benefits and/or appeal a denial of benefits.
This reality, they argue, causes sufferers not only having to cope with their condition but also worry about their source of income for months at a time.
While it remains to be seen whether the SSA will add either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to its Compassionate Allowances program, it’s important for those suffering from either condition not to give up.
Our firm has the experience and skill needed to help in your quest to secure disability benefits, and can handle all of the legal matters while you focus on resting and recovering. We understand your frustration and your fears, and are here to help.
Please visit our website to learn more about how we can help Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis sufferers.