When an individual applies for Social Security benefits, it can take some time before they hear back. Some people will receive a denial and have to appeal that decision in order to get the benefits that they need. This necessitates waiting for months and budgeting carefully because they probably aren’t working.
However, certain applicants receive the opposite treatment. Those who need disability benefits and who have very severe medical conditions may qualify for Compassionate Allowances. The Compassionate Allowances program involves Social Security Administration (SSA) essentially fast-tracking the applications of individuals with certain conditions so that they don’t have to wait for benefits.
Evaluating your medical diagnosis to see whether it might qualify as part of the Compassionate Allowances program can give you an idea of how long you might have to wait for your benefits.
Compassionate Allowances program focuses on severe conditions
Anyone applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will generally have a life-altering medical condition that will last either for at least a year or possibly the rest of their lives. For some people, the medical condition that forces them to apply for benefits may also prove fatal eventually.
Generally, the SSA considers conditions such as severe cancer and brain disorders, as well as certain serious childhood conditions as severe enough to qualify for the Compassionate Allowances program.
Certain forms of epilepsy, Lewy Body Dementia and lung cancer are all examples of conditions that might qualify for Compassionate Allowances. Reviewing your diagnosis and your prognosis with an attorney familiar with Social Security benefits might help you better understand what options you have and how to proceed with applying.