Compassionate Allowances Speed up the SSDI and SSI Process
The process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be long and frustrating, but luckily, the Social Security Administration (SSA) acknowledges that certain conditions require special, immediate attention. They have created a list of "Compassionate Allowances," which are medical conditions that are so serious that they obviously meet disability standards.
The Compassionate Allowances are simply incorporated into the disability application process, so there's no need to apply to a different program. If your condition is considered a Compassionate Allowance, your caseworkers will recognize that as they evaluate your application and will help things move along quickly—usually making a decision in a matter of weeks, rather than months or years. The SSA chose the Compassionate Allowances based on information they have received at public outreach hearings, comments received from the Social Security and Disability Determination Services communities, counsel of medical and scientific experts, and their research with the National Institutes of Health.
A current full list of Compassionate Allowances can be found on the Social Security Administration's website, but some of the more common allowances include:
- Various cancers, including acute leukemia, adrenal cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, bladder cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, and brain tumors.
- Syndromes like Cri du Chat Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, Hepatorenal Syndrome, and Perry Syndrome.
- The ALS/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex
- Spinal muscular atrophy, Types 0 and 1
- Pulmonary Atresia
The list of Compassionate Allowances is quite comprehensive; if you have a very serious medical condition, there's a good chance you will find it on the list. Again, you do not have to do anything special with your disability application and the SSA will not specifically notify you if you are being considered for a Compassionate Allowance. Just apply like anyone else would and if you receive your decision fairly quickly, you'll know it was probably because of the Compassionate Allowances.
If you are suffering from a disability and need help appealing a denial or applying for benefits, contact the legal team of Monge & Associates at (800) 860-8021 for a free consultation.