New Compassionate Allowance conditions announced for 2014

March 15, 2014 (Press-News.org) The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced a set of 25 conditions that will now qualify for the agency's Compassionate Allowances program. The program was initiated to help better ensure those who are suffering from serious disabilities receive social security disability benefits promptly.

The Commissioner of Social Security, Michael J. Astrue, has led the agency in growing the list of conditions covered by this program. 35 diseases were added in December of 2012. Combined with the most recent additions, the list now covers 225 disorders.

More on the Compassionate Allowances program

The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program is an initiative within SSA that expedites the claims process. Application for the CAL program uses the same standard SSA application any applicant would use. The agency reviews applications and pulls those that qualify for the program. When found, the agency will push the qualifying applications through the process. It can take years for a standard disability application to be processed and approved. Those that qualify for the CAL program can receive notification of the application status within weeks and begin receiving benefits shortly thereafter.

The SSA notes that the time it takes to process the application can hinge on a variety of factors. Some factors that can lead to a longer wait time include the time it takes to receive medical evidence from a physician, whether or not a medical examination is needed to move the claim forward and if a quality assurance review is required. Quality assurance reviews are randomly conducted on decisions and must be completed before the agency's decision is passed along to the applicant.

More on qualifying conditions

Qualifying disabilities include cancers like leukemia, liver, pancreatic and breast cancer. Some degenerative disorders, like early-onset Alzheimer's disease are covered as well as certain forms of heart disease and a variety of neurological and immune disorders. The most recent additions include certain forms of prostate cancer and sarcomas.

The qualifying conditions are chosen based primarily upon responses from public hearings. The SSA holds the hearings and works with experts to put the list together, and expand it as needed.

A full list of qualifying conditions can be found here.

Role of an attorney

Those who are applying for social security disability benefits can appoint a third party to complete the process. Getting a ruling in your favor for these benefits can be difficult. As a result, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced social security disability lawyer. This legal professional can help start the process and increase your odds of success or work with you on an appeal if your application was denied.

Article provided by Reyes & Reyes Law Firm, PLLC
Visit us at www.reyesandreyes.com