What is the Compassionate Allowance Program?
The Compassionate Allowance Program puts applications on the fast track for approval for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to help those who are seriously ill. There is no special application for this program besides the SSDI claim, you just need to have one of the conditions on what is referred to as the Compassionate Allowances List (CAL). You are then placed on the expedited process which can take as little as 10 days after the application is filed. Time is the only benefit of the Compassionate Allowance Program, the amount of benefits will not change.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines the possible conditions in cooperation with key players (such as the public, advocacy groups, comments from communities, and lots of research and analysis). The list grows as medical experts address changes in trends and the SSA continuously reaches out to the public. However, the following are considered to be the main disease classifications that qualify for the program (the full list can be found at the SSA website):
- Rare Diseases,
- Cancers,
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI),
- Strokes,
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias,
- Schizophrenia,
- Cardiovascular Diseases,
- Organ Transplants, and
- Autoimmune Diseases.
It’s a good idea to support your application with medical records proving your diagnosis so that no undue time is wasted in waiting for medical providers. Being vigilant and prepared will help achieve a quicker win which ultimately depends on;
- How quickly the SSA gets medical evidence from doctors.
- If an examination is necessary to support the claim.
- The opportunity to be randomly selected for a quality assurance review.
It should be noted that though the determination process is quicker under the Social Security Compassionate Allowance program, benefits still cannot begin until after the five months from the disability onset date.
Compassionate Allowances follow a fast track but differ to some degree from other expedited processes, notably, the Quick Disability Determinations (QDD) and the Terminal Illness Program (TERI).
Apply today through DisabilityUnited to see if you can get on the fast track by making the qualifications for the Compassionate Allowance Program!