Compassionate Allowances: Five Conditions Added to Fast Track
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 23, 2018
Quickly and accurately processing disability claims 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 diseases that are most likely to be approved for disability benefits.
On August 20, 2018, we added five conditions—Fibrolamellar Cancer, Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome (MMIHS), Megalencephaly Capillary Malformation Syndrome (MCAP), Superficial Siderosis of the Central Nervous System, and Tetrasomy 18p—to this essential list. Additions to the list allow us to ensure that those of you with qualifying disabilities can quickly receive the benefits you need.
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. More than 500,000 people with serious disabilities have been approved through this fast-track disability process, and the list of conditions is currently at 233 and growing. This list includes diseases such as pancreatic cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and acute leukemia.
The Compassionate Allowances program hurries help to those with the most severe conditions. If you, a friend, or family member have a severe condition, please visit our Compassionate Allowances website for more information about the program, including a list of all Compassionate Allowance conditions.
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Tags: Disability, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Jo-Celle S.
As a former employee (1960s) of SSA, I remain just a little more knowledgeable about stringent eligibility rules for disability benefits than “the man on the street”. Within the last two years our daughter-in-law has battled ovarian cancer (surgery plus continuing chemo) with the gut-wrenching prognosis for her future health. Those many years ago, I remember how difficult it was to comfort eligible beneficiaries of the “six-month waiting period” before benefits were payable. THANK YOU for the compassionate allowance provision that was applicable in her case.
Jean R.
Is severe arthritis considered one of the things that you can get on with? I need both my shoulders replaced and I have 1 hip that is really bad. Right now I help my 95 year old Mom so I cant get anything done Not sure that I want to either.
Vonda V.
Hi Jean. You may find our listing of impairments useful. The Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs.
We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
To learn more about the process we use to decide if you are disabled under our rules, visit our Disability Planner: How We Decide If You Are Disabled. Thanks!
LINDA L.
Our 42 year old son is diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer Stage 4. As well as how incredibly sad and devastating this is to our family, there is always the worry of his being unemployed and not having insurance to treat this terrible long-term illness. Due to his research on-line he found out about the ability of Social Security to fast track his application for benefits. Thank-You doesn’t even begin to cover how much it means to us and I am sure so many others.
Marilyn R.
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Vonda V.
Hi Marilyn: We apologize for any inconvenience and invite you to use all of our online services today. Due to scheduled systems maintenance, some of our Online Services were unavailable over the weekend. Hope this information is helpful.
Sandy
I have severe Spinal Conditions & non stop pain Somedays I cant do anything Due to Nerurological issues, I really could use help,Also I’ve worked as RN
and miss working w people, , Feel betrayed
Alone Depressing, Worked My entire life, Need another Surgery Neck getting worse And Law firm Taking my home, Illegally Ocwen.Peirce The attorneys, All Fraudulent Look them up So I’M AFRAID My#SS goes to.lawyers 6 years now , Tired of fighting, Tired of pain . Proved my case ,paperwork wasn’t entered properly Have Son Was in Heart failure from a med , Needs aTrade,. Education has ADD still symptoms from Heart, Worry about him Especially if Demons take our home Tryed work and never got a break & abusive.! I’m mentally physically done. Never thought Id be in this situation. ; Courts lawyers stole from Me & Worried sick
Harry L.
The “fast track” shows apathy seldom seen in the government. I had 5 strokes and I was fast tracked. I only wish that our legislators would follow this up by allowing our primary physicians prescribe legitimate pain medication without intimidation. Few of us that have chronic pain are abusing medication, only trying to get by. Now we have another problem to address. Please help us, not punish us.
Harry Lee
3dm@bellsouth.net
Judy
Why did my disability payments stop when i started receiving my social s. Retirement?
Vonda V.
Hi Judy: We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
When you receive disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits, when you attain your Full Retirement Age. The benefit amount will generally remain the same.
On the other hand, if you’re receiving disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, and become eligible for any other Social Security benefits on your own record or the records of others (e.g., retirement benefits) you are required to apply for those benefits as soon as you’re eligible. SSI is a needs based program intended for disabled adults that have limited income and resources so additional income can affect SSI eligibility. To get a thorough explanation, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or you can contact your local office directly. Thanks.
Kritsadakorn K.
I’m not sick or disabled, and I can live for up to 100 years without getting paid. Ssn Just want to ssn number for social accuracy only. Do not know if it’s impractical or illegal?
Maria D.
what about those suffering dementia and/or Alzheimer are they on the list? Not just the people helping them, but the ones suffering.
Susan F.
early onset Alzheimers and other types of dementia are on the list
Richiepair
Thank you for keeping on the go.