As many of our readers are probably already aware, wait times for Social Security disability applications are still plenty high, some areas of the country higher than others. The Social Security Administration continues to try and address the problem, but challenges remain, particularly the significant backlog of claims and the continuing high number of applications. Still, despite the wait times and the backlog, there are still some SSDI applicants that do not have to worry about how long they will have to wait for a benefits decision.
Those with the most serious disabling impairments do not have to worry about waiting because they can qualify for the Social Security Compassionate Allowance program. This program is geared to delivering quick decisions for those with conditions serious enough that they automatically qualify the applicant for benefits.
There are many conditions that qualify for the program, and the list was recently expanded even more to include 25 additional conditions. Many of them are forms of cancer or other serious, rare syndromes and conditions. Those who suffer with these disabling impairments can obtain speedy approval as long as they provide the proper documentation of the condition.
Even though those with impairments that qualify for the Compassionate Allowance program can expect a lot shorter wait time than those who don’t, it is still important for them to work with an experienced Social Security disability attorney. If their claim is rejected and an appeal becomes necessary, having an attorney around can make the process easier to handle.
Source: LifeHealthPro, “SSDI offers rapid decisions for more conditions,” Allison Bell, January 23, 2014.