Disability, SSI

Compassionate Allowances Speed Help to People with Severe Disabilities

February 11, 2016 • By

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Last Updated: March 17, 2021

photograph of a man in a wheelchairDisability 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Comments

  1. ANNE P.

    I NEED HELP. I HAVE NO HOME WITH NO SSD/SSI. STAGE 4 CANCER OR INCOME.

  2. andrea

    I’m 44 years old and I’ve gone from fully independent to totally dependent on others for everything. I have many health issues and a copper deficiency has crippled me. I spent 2 wks in the hospital to try to figure out what’s wrong with me.. I’m getting worse and I lost my job prior to my hospital stay in July 2015 and on July 31,2015 I was brought home by my niece to find my 39 yr old Fiance of 13 yrs dead.. I was left with not a penny bc all money was in the bank and my. Name was not on account bc I had a POA!!! I’m losing my childhood home my parents left to me but I couldn’t afford the taxes (on the house that is paid for )so I’m losing everything.my entire life’s in this house and I can’t physically get anything out because I’m disabled and I only get a small amount of SSI PAYMENTS which I’m greatful for. My health is not good. I need help I’m at a loss and so depressed. I wish I could have my life back.. I’m existing not living….help

    • Ray F.

      Hi Andrea. You may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where you live. 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 (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps.

  3. Sharon G.

    Is being diagnosed with Arthritis in my cervical and diagnosed with C.O.P.D. Divirticulitis and Colitis 9 things wrong with right shoulder and c5 c6 degenerative disease enough to file for this

    • Ray F.

      Hi Sharon, you may find our listing of impairments useful. The Social Security Act sets out a strict definition for disability. 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. However, if a person believes they are disabled and meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability as soon as they become disabled. Compassionate allowances allow us to expedite Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications for people whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions obviously meet Social Security’s definition of disability. For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. Thanks!

  4. Vicki B.

    I have applied for my SS about 2 years ago and got denied. In Oct 2016 I had a Stroke and I’m paralyzed on my Right side and I’m in a wheel chair, I’m also on dialysis and need someone to care for me as I can’t do anything for my self. I recently fell and broke my arm. All my information and hospital papers where taken in to the SS office in Oct 2016. I called and they said my case would not be review until July of 2018 so how do they say 3 to 4 months, When SS says they are back up 20 months. I feel they are just waiting for me to die so they can keep my money. Also when you call they are so rude. Can someone get back to me.

  5. Cynthia H.

    I beg you i need help now! I will be crawling to work on my knees soon! I have applied for disability, but i need help now, soon i will not be able to walk on othef foot . I have palmoplantar pjustulosis in ond foot severe other foot carrying all my weight ,othsr foot hurting . I have to pay bills so i will be crawling on my knees when time comes. I NEED MY FEET!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP

    • Ray F.

      We are sorry for the inconveniences Cynthia, and we understand your frustration. While you are waiting for a medical decision, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. To see if you are eligible contact your local social services office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information.

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