Filing for Social Security Disability benefits under SSDI or SSI can be a very lengthy process. It could take six or more months to receive a determination on your disability application. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) expedites some applications under the Compassionate Allowance program.
Serious medical conditions may qualify for expedited review of an SSDI or SSI application. If you have questions about the process, a Michigan SSDI attorney can review your case and advise you on expedited review options.
What Is the Compassionate Allowance Program?
Individuals with severe medical conditions or terminal diseases could die before the SSA completes the disability application review. Some individuals may not be able to wait for months to receive benefits because of the severity of their disease or medical condition.
Under the Compassionate Allowance program, the SSA expedites the review of the application. They perform a partial review to approve benefits very quickly. The SSA completes the approval process after the applicant begins receiving disability benefits.
Five Things You Need to Know About the Compassionate Allowance Program
Before you begin your Social Security disability application, there are several things you should know about the Compassionate Allowance program.
1. Only Specific Conditions Quality for the Compassionate Allowance Program
The SSA has a Compassionate Allowances List (CAL) that contains more than 200 medical conditions. These conditions are considered severe enough to qualify for an expedited review process. The conditions on the list have been evaluated based on their effect on life expectancy, lack of treatment options, or overall severity.
2. The Expedited Process Does Not Apply for Medicare
Even though you can expedite your Social Security disability application, you cannot expedite the process to receive Medicare. All normal waiting periods continue to apply. Some applicants may qualify for Medicaid benefits.
3. Compassionate Allowance Applicants Could Receive Benefits in a Few Weeks
If you are approved for SSDI or SSI benefits under the Compassionate Allowance program, you could receive benefits in just a few weeks after filing your application. The initial payment includes benefits from the time of the onset of your disability through the date the SSA approves you for disability benefits.
4. There Is Not a Special Procedure for Filing for Compassionate Allowance Disability Benefits
You do not need to file a special application to be considered for compassionate allowance benefits. If your medical condition appears on the Compassionate Allowance List, the SSA flags your application for expedited review.
However, your application needs to be complete and free from errors. You also need to submit comprehensive supporting documents for your application to be processed quickly.
5. Non-Medical Eligibility Criteria Still Apply
Even though the SSA expedites your disability application, you must still meet the non-medical eligibility requirements for disability benefits. For example, if you apply for SSDI, you must have the required work credits to qualify for SSDI. You must also meet the income and asset qualifications for SSI benefits.
Contact Our Michigan SSDI Attorney for More Information
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially when you have a severe disability. Our Michigan SSDI attorney assists individuals and family members as they seek to obtain expedited disability benefits. Get in touch with our office today.
