The Social Security Administration has added more than 50 new “Compassionate Allowances” conditions -- mostly involving cancers, rare diseases affecting children and neurological disorders -- to the program that “fast-tracks” disability decisions.
The program works to “ensure that Americans with the most serious disabilities receive their benefit decisions within days instead of months or years,” according to the SSA. These new conditions will be effective as of August.
The conditions were added in mid-April. The Compassional Allowances program was started in 2008 with an initial list of 50 diseases and conditions. The number of Compassionate Allowances conditions as of August will total 165, including 13 conditions that were added in October 2011.
Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security, said the agency will continue to work with the medical community and patient organizations to add more conditions. Under the program, “we quickly approved disability benefits for nearly 61,000 people with severe disabilities in the past fiscal year, and nearly 173,000 applications since the program began,” he said in a statement on the SSA site.
“The Compassionate Allowances initiative identifies claims where the nature of the applicant’s disease or condition clearly meets the statutory standard for disability. With the help of sophisticated new information technology, the agency can quickly identify potential Compassionate Allowances and then quickly make decisions.”
The conditions include adults brain disorders, rare genetic disorders affecting children, immune system conditions, early-onset Alzheimer’s, certain cancers and other disorders and conditions.
Astrue added that the SSA is working to streamline its online disability application process. As of April 21, 2012, adults filing for benefits online have the option to sign and submit the “authorization to disclose information to the Social Security Administration” electronically.
Of course, a disability attorney or disability lawyer is well-versed in all forms and manners of applying for Social Security Disability benefits.
Most SSD attorneys would recommend consulting with a disability advocate before applying. For example, in our office, our staff reviews the specifics of the case and recommends the form of application -- in person, by telephone or online -- for that particular case that offers the best chance for approval.
And because the process is complex and time-consuming, with many requirements and strict deadlines, having a disability attorney in your corner can mean the difference between rejection and success. Yes, it’s possible to go it alone. But experienced advocacy can make a big difference.
The program works to “ensure that Americans with the most serious disabilities receive their benefit decisions within days instead of months or years,” according to the SSA. These new conditions will be effective as of August.
The conditions were added in mid-April. The Compassional Allowances program was started in 2008 with an initial list of 50 diseases and conditions. The number of Compassionate Allowances conditions as of August will total 165, including 13 conditions that were added in October 2011.
Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security, said the agency will continue to work with the medical community and patient organizations to add more conditions. Under the program, “we quickly approved disability benefits for nearly 61,000 people with severe disabilities in the past fiscal year, and nearly 173,000 applications since the program began,” he said in a statement on the SSA site.
“The Compassionate Allowances initiative identifies claims where the nature of the applicant’s disease or condition clearly meets the statutory standard for disability. With the help of sophisticated new information technology, the agency can quickly identify potential Compassionate Allowances and then quickly make decisions.”
The conditions include adults brain disorders, rare genetic disorders affecting children, immune system conditions, early-onset Alzheimer’s, certain cancers and other disorders and conditions.
Astrue added that the SSA is working to streamline its online disability application process. As of April 21, 2012, adults filing for benefits online have the option to sign and submit the “authorization to disclose information to the Social Security Administration” electronically.
Of course, a disability attorney or disability lawyer is well-versed in all forms and manners of applying for Social Security Disability benefits.
Most SSD attorneys would recommend consulting with a disability advocate before applying. For example, in our office, our staff reviews the specifics of the case and recommends the form of application -- in person, by telephone or online -- for that particular case that offers the best chance for approval.
And because the process is complex and time-consuming, with many requirements and strict deadlines, having a disability attorney in your corner can mean the difference between rejection and success. Yes, it’s possible to go it alone. But experienced advocacy can make a big difference.
SSD benefits are based on a large number of factors, including health, ability to work, work history and past income. Our staff offers the advice you need to present your case and medical history in the best light possible, giving you the greatest chance for approval. With our help, you may be able to obtain the benefits you
need in an effort to eliminate some of the financial pressures you face.
The SSA website has more information
on the Compassionate Allowances Initiative.
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