Compassionate Allowances Speed Help to People with Severe Disabilities
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
Disability can happen to anyone. If you suffer from a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, time is of the essence when it comes to applying for Social Security disability benefits. Although Social Security is committed to processing disability claims as quickly as possible in all cases, our initial claims process typically takes three to five months.
Because compassion is a cornerstone of our public service commitment, 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, 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.
Social Security pays benefits under two programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Our disability program provides benefits and Medicare eligibility to workers with disabilities who paid into the Social Security trust fund through payroll taxes. Under some circumstances, children and family members can receive disability benefits. SSI pays benefits to disabled persons of all ages with limited income and resources. SSI benefits are not paid out of the Social Security trust fund.
Farber’s disease and Tay Sachs disease in children, and advanced pancreatic and ovarian cancer in adults are examples of the 223 conditions on the Compassionate Allowances list. Others include Huntington’s disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which cause rapid brain deterioration in otherwise healthy adults. For a complete list of the Compassionate Allowances conditions, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
The Compassionate Allowances initiative also provides grants to medical researchers to identify other conditions that may qualify for this list. This initiative is just one of many ways Social Security works to help provide you with peace of mind when disability happens. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.
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Tags: SSI
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Linda L.
I am 73 years of age. 2007 I had a serious case of cancer that involved my left leg leaving it dead where I can only lift it a step height and sometimes not even that. I have a terrible time getting into my bath/shower and I’m asking if the walk-in bath/shower that is advertised would be covered by my medicare in any way.
A.C.
Hi, Linda. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. To get additional information on Medicare benefits, check out http://www.medicare.gov/. You may also wish to contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your options. We hope this helps.
katsuki
thanks . great article.
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Loxy E.
I APPLIED FOR DISABILITY ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING . mY PRIMARY DR DONALD HURLEY, FILLED OUT TH PRECISE PAPERS AND WE SENT THEM IN. cAN YOU CHECK ON THE PROGRESS OF THIS? mY HUSBAND DIED OF C ANCER IN fEB 19 2019. He was a navy vet of 25 years retired,Clarence E. Stansell
L.A.
Hi Loxy. We are sorry for your loss. Please note that for your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. In your situation, please call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact the local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Janet
I know I will get less but I want to start my retirement now at age 60, I can not wait
Until I’m 62.
Janet h.
I wanted to apply for my retirement and
Or disability, I have stage 4 cancer.
But I was told I did notqauilifye because
My husband made to much and I can not
Get other until I’m 62, I told her I’m 60 and will
Not live that long.
Dam k.
76 year old male face cancer, took bone from leg, transplanted to face cannot speak legible, laying me off in January, need help
A.C.
Hi, Dam. We are sorry to hear about your condition. 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.
Glenn B.
What form and number is available for the condition of end-stage terminable polycystic liver/kidney diease? Please advise.
A.C.
Hi, Glenn. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more than we can handle in this forum. We ask that you please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak with one of our agents, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
L.A.
Hi Glenn. Thanks for your question. We do not have a “form” that you may fill out. However, you may apply for Social Security disability benefits online. For specific questions about your case, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Glenn B.
What form and form number is available for the condition of end-stage terminable polycystic liver/kidney diease? Please advise.
Dee G.
Why does social Security deny nearly every claim submitted and make a person go through appeals or reconsideration. My son recently applied 49 years old. He has orthopedic issues ,neuropathy in his feet and legs after both feet were burned . Hep C .,depression, PTSD , torn rotator cuffs that have torn out multiple times and been repaired. His father had CMT Charcotte Marie Tooth Syndrome. My son wants and needs to be tested has many symptoms. But no insurance. He has high blood pressure and tires out extremely easily ,like mowing a small yard . .
He has a titanium plate in his right wrist cant bend his hand to do many things he needs to do .
Why are they making him fight. Also they are telling him they only look back so far on medical conditions some of his conditions have deteriorated they are important. He has no insurance.