Compassionate Allowances: Five Conditions Added to Fast Track
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Processing disability claims quickly and accurately is important to us. It is through this commitment to you that we use the Compassionate Allowances program to help us identify and fast-track cases where people have medical conditions and diseases that are most likely to meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits.
In August, we added five conditions — Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors, GM1 Gangliosidosis – Infantile and Juvenile Forms, Nicolaides-Baraister Syndrome, Rubinstein-Tybai Syndrome, and Secondary Adenocarcinoma of the Brain — to this essential list. Additions to the list allow us to ensure that anyone with qualifying disabilities can receive the benefits they need quickly.
“Social Security’s top priority is to serve the public, and we remain committed to improving the disability determination process for Americans,” said Commissioner Saul. “Our Compassionate Allowances program gets us one step closer to reaching our goals by helping us accelerate the disability process for people who are likely to get approved for benefits due to the severity of their condition.”
The Compassionate Allowances program quickly identifies claims where the applicant’s condition or disease clearly meets our statutory standard for disability. Due to the severe nature of many of these conditions, these claims are often allowed based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone. To date, more than 600,000 people with severe disabilities have been approved through this accelerated, policy-compliant disability process. Over the last decade, the list has grown to a total of 242 conditions, including certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of rare disorders that affect children.
We incorporate leading technology to identify potential Compassionate Allowances and make quick decisions. When a person applies for disability benefits, we must obtain medical records in order to make an accurate determination. Our Health IT brings the speed and efficiency of electronic medical records to the disability determination process. With electronic records transmission, we are able to quickly obtain a claimant’s medical information, review it, and make a determination faster than ever before.
Please share the Compassionate Allowances program with friends and family who may need these vital benefits.
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Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Christy S.
Compassionate Allowances should not take so long to process that the recipient dies, while waiting for assistance.
Donna
This is a step in the right direction, but until the 6 month waiting period after approval is eliminated, this is just blowing smoke. My husband’s cancer (glioblastoma) was on the compassionate allowance list. He was approve din 3 months and then had to wait 6 mos to start getting checks. He did not survive the 6 months. The money during those 6 months would have made a huge difference for us, as I was not able to work and caring for him at home. When will the 6 month wait after approval be eliminated for these conditions on the compassionate allowance list?
Tina M.
Awesome we are not alone
VICTOR M.
Hello,
For the last 2 years I have suffered from a Herniated Disc on the Lumbar Spine L-4 and L-5 causing extreme Sciatic Nerve Pain. Also, I have developed Neuropathy in my Right and Left Foot causing extreme numbness and difficulty walking . I been looking for a P/T Job but I cannot Stand more than 10 min. or walk more than 20 feet without felling pain.
David
Do people need to meet the “last ten years under social security” to apply?
Vonda V.
Hi David, thank you for your question. To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must meet a recent work test and a duration work test. The number of credits necessary to meet the recent work test depends on your age. Check out our Social Security Credits web page for details on the number of credits needed for disability benefits. We hope this helps!
James
Dear SSA,
I was working a Federal job in Washington DC from 4/2011 to 8/2019 and submitted a Disability Request package to OPM that got twice denied. Part of that package requirement was to apply for an SSA disability (est. request 1/2018) which was denied too. I was still working and seeking Reason Accommodation.
I don’t know what to do as my comorbidities have worsened, and I have several new and relevant conditions, and am under VA Home Healthcare now not being employed for over a year. DOL denied my Unemployment Insurance of $638 weekly as I was recorded as Exempt. I’ve had no pandemic relief, but I am trying in my wheelchair to find a job as best I can to help prevent insolvency or bankruptcy. Lockdowns and Quarantines make this very challenging.
Is there a Compassionate Allowance POC I can talk to? At present, my Federal Government disability pursuit is pending at MSPB. Attorneys are costing me $$ yet more money.
Just as a last comment—not knowing if it matters— I logged 35 years of patriotic service to America, from 11/1978 to 9/1995 in the U.S. Navy; and from 4/2002 to 8/2019 in the Federal Government. Is that relevant or factored in as part of evaluation?
Thanks so much.
Vonda V.
Hi James, thanks for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about your disability. If you were recently denied, you may file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision. If you are outside of the appeal period, you can file for disability benefits again.
If you need help applying, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact your local Social Security office. 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.
Alfred B.
I have sphyrisis bad on my arms and legs constantly itching
Makes it hard to work.
Mark T.
Realistically, your chances of contracting one of these diseases just added to the “list” AND being promptly approved are somewhere near one in a gazillion. When we filed a claim 25 years ago, after all the smoke and mirrors and two denials, we got approved for 3/4 monthly benefits and it took just short of TWO YEARS from first filing to first check in the mailbox. Now, we understand, it takes even longer.
BELA T.
I have a 50% eye disability, when I applied for ssi in va the rep did not wanted to see my health file leaving me to deal with my problem. Today this problem is for life and I want it corrected.
Vonda V.
Hi Bela, thanks for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about your disability. If you were recently denied, you may file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision. If you are outside of the appeal period, you can file for disability benefits again.
If you need help, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact your local Social Security office. 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.
Some individuals may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where they live; while they wait for a final determination on their disability claim. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this information is helpful!
Ashok K.
Mike Corby, sir,
Wish there was some retirement benefit for those who could not gather 40 points or with Cancer like sickness in family, to support the highly expensive treatment here in India.
I have 28 points and came back to India long back for my family. My social security numb is four one two three one four eight five one.
Prof. A. K. Sharma
Sharon
S.S. numbers should not be shown!