In response to concerns about long wait periods for disability benefit determination, the Compassionate Allowances program is available to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that they are clearly qualified for disability benefits.
This allows the most obviously disabled applicants to receive benefits within a quicker timeline—often 3 to 6 weeks after applying for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Who Qualifies For The Compassionate Allowances Initiative?
Compassionate Allowances are available to individuals with certain forms of cancers, muscular dystrophy and/or atrophy, senses and speech issues, respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and other illnesses.
A complete list of qualifying conditions for Compassionate Allowances can be found on the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm.
What Medical Evidence Is Requested?
If you have a condition that has been approved as a Compassionate Allowance, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will approve you for benefits based on a relatively small amount of medical data. In all cases, your medical condition must be supported by clinical reports.
Medical evidence for a Social Security disability case can include:
- Physician Examination
- MRI
- CAT Scan
- X-rays
- Mental Health Records
- Blood Work Panels
- Treatment Notes and/or Physician Reports
The medical evidence provided should be recent and must be inclusive of the time period from when you became disabled to the present date. In order to qualify, your medical records must show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing your standard work-related duties.
How Do I Apply?
There is no special application for the Compassionate Allowances program. If you have a condition on the compassionate allowances list, and haven’t received determination on your Social Security disability claim within 1 month of your application, contact your SSA office directly and inquire about your claim and request consideration under the Compassionate Allowances initiative.
What If My Condition Isn’t Approved For Compassionate Allowances?
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 ≫
