How Our Expanded Compassionate Allowances Program Helps People with Severe Disabilities
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: November 2, 2023
On August 16, 2021, Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions. Compassionate Allowances is an initiative that quickly identifies severe medical conditions and diseases that meet our standards for disability benefits.
“Everyone who is eligible for benefits under the programs we administer should receive them,” said Acting Commissioner Kijakazi. “Our Compassionate Allowances program helps us address barriers by helping accelerate the disability application process for people who are likely to get approved for benefits due to the severity of their medical condition.”
Due to the severe nature of many of the Compassionate Allowance conditions, claims are often allowed based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone. For example, certain cancers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and a number of rare disorders that affect children, would qualify under this program.
When a person applies for disability benefits, we must obtain medical records in order to make an accurate determination. With electronic records transmission, we can quickly obtain their medical information, review it, and make a fast determination. For more information about the program, including a list of all Compassionate Allowances conditions, please visit our Compassionate Allowances page.
To apply for disability benefits, visit our Disability Benefits page – and create a personal my Social Security account where you can check the status of your claim and conduct other business. Please share this information with your family and friends – and post it on social media.
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Tags: Disability, General Information, my Social Security, my Social Security account, social security disability benefits
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Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Lynn
I have been denied my disability several times I was told wait until I turned 50 because if I was considered minimal activity at age 50 I was considered disabled I applied I was denied I’m 57 now fought to get it through the covid pandemic denied because social security lost my paperwork had to reapply now I’ve been denied because social security did not request my records and can’t prove I’m not disabled this is a joke. I’m writing to my senator I cannot work my doctor has said I can’t and y’all still deny people. No wonder people commit suicide from depression they can’t get help.
P.H.
Hi Lynn, we are sorry to hear about your disability and understand your frustration. If you were recently denied, you may file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision and provide additional evidence.
If you need help requesting an appeal, 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!
Sean
You people don’t care. Put people with no money, no job because they can’t work through sheer hell trying to get help. disgusting human beings.
Jeffrey R.
Good afternoon, Lynn. I have read the SSA’s scripted reply to your very personal and heartfelt plea. I am sure that it provided you with little comfort. That being said, I am more than willing to give you better information that is value added and will allow for you to get the best possible representation for your disability concerns. I do not guarantee that you we will your case; rather, I guarantee that your case and issues will be represented to the highest level and with an expectation on the part of the SSA to follow their own rules and regulations and rulings and laws. In short, though, it seems that your issue may be that of not being insured during the period in which the SSA say that they must find you disabled. This is called a Date Last Insured or DLI. I am more than willing to discuss your case with you and see where you stand and whether I am able to provide you with the representation that you deserve. You may reach me at: All America Social Security Disability Representation, llc. (AASSDR@yahoo.com) or (720) 475-0440.
Thanks,
Jeffrey Roberts
Dennette
I have been treated so badly at my hearings in Macon Ga, Judge Oetter, Judge Lewis and Judge Catherine Harper these 3 judges refuse to approve my Ssdi even though my case was remanded back to them because they didn’t give my Doctor the weight it deserves and now no work credits what can I do? There’s a problem when it comes to African Americans getting approve by these 3 judges please investigate.
Khalid
Get a lawyer,you’ll get it then
Jeanette G.
Get a lawyer they don’t get paid until you win. Get the best one in the state. I moved to Ga but it took me 6 years in Delaware just to get mine. Prayers you get it soon.
P.H.
Hi Dennette. We are sorry to hear about your experience. If you believe that any Social Security employee or representative took an action that discriminated against you on the basis of race, religion, disability, language proficiency, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity, you may file a complaint. For more information see our publication about How to File an Unfair Treatment Complaint Concerning an Administrative Law Judge. If you need assistance filing your complaint, you may call us at 866-574-0374. We hope this helps.
Jeffrey R.
Hi, Dennette.
It is a story that I have heard all too often from people of color. Nevertheless, I have to believe that justice is blind … theoretically. Having said that, you should know that the bar for getting disability is high (and for good reason). While you did not provide much information regarding your particular case, there is some inference that I am able to glean from what you did provide: You have applied and been denied on at least 3 occasions over the past 6 or 7 years. You are now at least 50 years of age and you have not worked continuously in the past 7-8 years. Consequently, you are no longer insured (don’t have enough recent quarters of coverage to be currently insured for disability). Your conditions have become progressively worse over the years and are more limiting now than they were when you first started the disability journey. If this is close to being correct, please give me a call to discuss your issues and for us to see if there is a path to move forward. You may reach me at: All America Social Security Disability Representation, llc. (AASSDR@yahoo.com) or (720) 475-0440.
Thanks,
Jeffrey Roberts
Herry
https://unsharednews.com/
Jeff C.
I am 63 and I applied for my disability 14 months ago. I have jumped through hoops and went to doctors that I was told I had to. I have degenerative disc disease and fell in June of last year and broke my neck and subsequently had a light stroke. I have very little use of my left hand and arm. I was a police officer for 15 years and a over the road trucker for probably close to 30 years. I can’t pass DOT physical and I don’t know how to do anything else but drive a truck or be a police officer. Just frustrated with the system and believe me I wish I was able to work. This doing nothing is hard to do when you have worked all your life.
MARGETTA L.
IN FLORIDA THEY JERKED ME AROUND FOR S.S. SURVIVOR’S FOR 5 YRS .1999-2004 TOOK MY CASE TO MASS. 4 QUESTIONS 2 MINS
I HAD IT
I WAS ON S.S.I. 1990-1997 DISABLED.
I WAS APPROVED FOR S.S. DISABILITY N S.S.SURVORS
THE S.S. TOLD ME YOU ONLY GET
S.S. SURVIVORS ONLY
BUT NOW I HEAR YOU CAN GET BOTH
S.S. ARE THE BIGGEST CROOKS !!!!
I BET ILLEGALS ARE NOT WAITING 2 – 5 YRS
Jeff C.
So far I am having trouble finding that compassionate part …. just say’n
Jeff C.
Well it’s been 15 months and still nothing ….I am going to another doctor that they are sending me to in Nashville tomorrow … I don’t feel very comfortable going with the Covid being rampant but they said if I didn’t go that would be held against me in their decision … that must be that compassionate part I was looking for ….
Jeff C.
They sent me to eye Institute and I found out that I am legally blind in my left eye.i filed my application July 10 of last year and still haven’t heard anything. I wish they would tell me one way or another. I haven’t worked since June of last year and things are really getting tight. Got 2 teenagers to feed and my wife had to cut hours to be with me. I fell several times and she is afraid to leave me by myself. I usually spend the whole time she is at work just sitting in my garage. I am afraid to do much. But this streamlined system is really showing its stuff….. just say’n
V.V.
Hi Jeff, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. You can log in to or create a my Social Security account to check the status of your application online.
If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or 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.
Jeffrey R.
Hi, Jeff C.
Based on your brief description of your issues, I am inclined to agree with you. If you would like, I would love to discuss your case with you and see if there is a path for us to move forward to get you the disability benefits with which your impairments and other factors seem to warrant. You may reach me at: All America Social Security Disability Representation, llc. (AASSDR@yahoo.com) or (720) 475-0440.
Thanks,
Jeffrey Roberts
Jeff C.
I wish they would deny me if that’s what they are going to do. I could get some help then. After the last Dr they sent me to said I was legally blind in my left eye. I thought that might do it. Evidently not.
Jeff C.
I have an account and I check it daily it says as it has for 15 months it’s 90% complete and it usually takes 7 months it has said that for 6 or 7 months…… just waiting. One of.my kids was crying for a door knob this morning (thought it was a biscuit) ….. 🙁
V.V.
For your security, Jeff, 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.
Jeff C.
I have called and my local office in TN. said they couldn’t tell me anything and my application was being handled by someone in NY. I called and left message and when they returned my call I couldn’t understand the person I am an old hillbilly and just couldn’t communicate very well with him. Guess I will just wait and see what happens next. So discouraged but God has blessed me in other ways and I am sure He will always be there 🙏
JeffC
Well they must have denied me. On my account now it says they turned it over to local office to seek if I qualify for non medical …. whatever that means …. SMH ….. COMPASSION?!?!
Jeff C.
I just found out today that after they sent my application to the local office in TN they said that would take 2 to 4 weeks and now it’s sent to Birmingham and they said this could take 2 to 4 more weeks. Soooooo frustrated.
Jeff C.
Well I finally got it…. I found out about it was approved. It was a trying process but I am thankful that it is over. Thanks for all the support and encouragement God blessed me again 🙏.
I guess it’s another lesson for me.
Jeff C.
Well if this don’t knock your hat in the creek….. I finally got approved and they said I should get my first check on 17th of Nov. Should be about $1200 .. Then I got a letter in the mail that said my 2 children were overpaid and I owe them $1100. I signed up for my ssi in June of last year when I fell and broke my neck and I had no idea about the amount they would get. So now I’m going to jump through hoops again and try to get this straightened out …. just SMH …. ouch
J M.
My husband was told he’s disabled but not enough work credits but could get ssi at the time we was not married.
We got married not knowing it was stop ssi as I’m on disability and 1260.00 is too much for 2 people. Ssa administration told us we could put different addresses or get a divorce. Please tell me how this is right? We struggle so he tries to work and we have been paying his taxes but still there is always an issue and no one can ever be straight up about it. He has plenty credits for retirement but he’s only 58 and will probably not make it till retirement age THIS IS NOT RIGHT THAT IS A TAX PAYERS MONEY THAT WAS WITHHELD for disability insurance and retirement and it’s a crying shame at this time of need with the Covid and there is no way a person can get full credits for a year when business shuts down or u have been diagnosed with Covid 19
HELP ANY INFO PLEASE??
Tasha
My sister in law went through the same thing, so her and her husband used different addresses. Because SSI is considered some of welfare and goes by your household income.
Khalid
Get a lawyer
R S.
In the past year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, diabetes and bleeding lungs. Have had two surgeries past year. I also have a back problem causing great pain. Unable to bend over. I was turned down for disability. Are there other options for me?
V.V.
R Slater, 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 and provide additional evidence.
If you need help requesting an appeal, 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!
Lila G.
I know forsure that here in IL.
Khalid
Get a lawyer
Jeffrey R.
Hi, Mr. Slater:
It appears that your case was denied based on the SSA concluding that your conditions, while severe, would improve and not remain disabling for a period exceeding 12 continuous months. This is considered a duration denial. You did not provide much more detail regarding your age, education, past work, etc. With that information, I would be better able to contemplate your possibilities for disability and the correct path on which to move forward. You may reach me at: All America Social Security Disability Representation, llc. (AASSDR@yahoo.com) or (720) 475-0440.
Thanks,
Jeffrey Roberts
Tonia P.
My son received SSI when he was approximately 5-10 years old he was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and he’s missing a part of his Y Chromosome diagnosed at age 4 age 6 he contracted viral meningitis, age 11 diagnosed with T1 Diabetes, he struggles with Social anxiety, and panic attacks… Social Security took away his check around age 10 because my husband now ex husband got a new job and made too much income…we were told when our son turned 18 he would qualify for adult benefits. I have applied for benefits for him since he turned 18 he’s soon to be 24 years old I care for him, he receives personal care services, and can not work. Does not have a driver’s license. I had an attorney for him he was seen by a judge who was on tv and was in Michigan we live in WV. I don’t understand why he has been denied several times. He currently has Human Arc trying to help he just got another denial letter this past week. I dont understand how some receive help and others can not something just isn’t quite right
Michele W.
Sometimes it’s what state you live in. It’s the state’s job to determine eligibility. We live in Alabama and my daughter only took a day to be qualified for SSI
Al J.
St.pete FL 1640 dr
Martin Luther King St Pete fl33701
Khalid
And you right it is the state that you live in to get approved
Cynthia T.
Hi i am looking for affordable senior housing right now my rent takes all of my SSDI money may be homeless soon can anyone help
John D.
I’m on SSI now but do my condition my Medical information has been publicized And my life is in danger here in Morganton N.C. can I get legal help?
V.V.
Hi Cynthia, thanks for using our blog. Please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for the many programs and services available to you in your state. For information on public housing assistance visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. We hope this helps!
Sandra G.
My name is Sandra Green and I am 55 years of age. I am seeking senior housing for myself. I need to know if there is housing for persons who are on SSD in my age group.
V.V.
Hi Sandra, thanks for using our blog. Please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for the many programs and services available to you in your state. For information on public housing assistance visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. We hope this helps!
Sandra M.
ThAnk you
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