Compassionate Allowances: Fast-Track Help to Those Who Need It Most
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 6, 2017
We are committed to processing disability claims as quickly as possible in all cases, but our initial claims process typically takes three to four months. If you suffer from a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, time is of the essence when it comes to receiving a decision on your disability application.
In some cases, we’re able to expedite the application process through our Compassionate Allowances program. Social Security uses Compassionate Allowances to identify people whose medical condition is so severe that they obviously meet our disability standards. Under the Social Security Act, we consider you disabled if you can’t work due to a severe medical condition that is expected to last at least one year, or result in death.
Many of the claims in our Compassionate Allowances Program are approved based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone; for example, pancreatic cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and acute leukemia. Acting Commissioner Nancy A. Berryhill said it best: “Social Security is committed — now and in the future – to continue to identify and fast-track diseases that are certain or near-certain to be approved for disability benefits.”
Today, almost 500,000 people with severe disabilities have been approved through this fast-track disability process, which has grown to include a total of 228 conditions. Recently, three new Compassionate Allowances conditions were added to the list: CACH — Vanishing White Matter Disease-Infantile and Childhood Onset Forms, Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy, and Kleefstra Syndrome.
Our Compassionate Allowances program speeds help to people with severe conditions. If you or someone you know has a severe disabling condition, don’t wait. Go to our Compassionate Allowances website for more information about the program, including a list of all the conditions.
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About the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
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Bonita W.
If I’m collecting social security and Medicare, is there an OTC CARD (over the counter) that I might qualify for?
V.V.
Hi Bonita, thanks for using our blog. If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug plans, or the covered services, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. We hope this helps.
kellee W.
hi I applied in 2016. And was awarded in 2020….my illness progressed..but they only backpayed to 2019…which was ridiculous….can I get the rest of my backpay..I even asked for the compassionate allowance… it was alful…I became homeless…
V.V.
For your security, Kellee, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Thomas J.
i was approved for social security disability but was told i have to wait 2 years to get medicare and i am without medical insurance. Is there exceptions?
V.V.
Hi Thomas, thanks for using our blog. You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and B if you’ve been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. An information packet will arrive in the mail a few months before you become eligible. Check out the Medicare brochure for more information. For health coverage information, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
sofia w.
We are committed to processing disability claims as quickly as possible in all cases, but our initial claims process typically takes three to four months. If you suffer from a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, time is of the essence when it comes to receiving a decision on your disability application.
https://blog.ssa.gov/
Lisa G.
I am just curious as to how long does it TYPICALLY take before someone receives the back~pay that has been awarded to them! I was awarded SSD in Nov 1994. I was told that I would receive back pay in April, Then in May.THEN I was told, that ( to this day, I still haven’t seen anything! ) I understood that The Covid~19 “issue” has hindered things. I am just curious as to when I should expect the back pay. There HAS been a few changes concerning MY living arrangements!
V.V.
Hi Lisa, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Linda D.
I would like to know if my husband is eligible for this program. He suffers from Lewy Bodies Dementia
Gikbert
I want to know what I need to show ssa to get money before the six month for my backpay
A.C.
Hi, Gikbert. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Nahisha Y.
Am I able to get a OTC card because I’m receiving SSD? If so, what do I have to do?