SSA Process Quickly Helps Individuals With Serious Medical Conditions
Individuals with serious medical conditions may be able to use a SSA fast-track process called "compassionate allowance" allowing some people to quickly obtain approval for disability benefits.
April 21, 2012
SSA Process Quickly Helps Individuals With Serious Medical ConditionsThe Social Security Administration has been providing benefits and compensation for disabled individuals since 1935. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 12 percent of the American population -- over 36 million people -- are classified as disabled, but only about 8.5 million disabled wage-earners are collecting Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Why is there such a disparity?
The claims process for obtaining SSDI benefits can be time-consuming and confusing, especially for those who suffer from emotional or physical disabilities. Add a few million claims into the mix and it is understandable that the system may be overwhelmed. Currently, over 125,000 Maryland residents are collecting SSDI benefits.
Fortunately, for those with serious medical conditions, there is a fast-track process called "compassionate allowance" which allows people with certain conditions to quickly obtain approval for disability benefits. The process is also available to qualifying individuals over the age of 50 who cannot yet collect retirement benefits.
In order to qualify for a compassionate allowance, the individual claiming benefits must provide minimal, but sufficient, medical information with his or her claim. If your disease or medical condition fits one of the 113 conditions identified by the SSA, you may be entitled to faster processing of your claim.
Some of the conditions approved by the SSA for compassionate allowance treatment include:
-Certain types of cancer
-Many rare syndromes and diseases
-Various types of leukemia
-Early-onset Alzheimer's and certain types of dementia
-Numerous neonatal and childhood diseases and conditions
-Heart transplant wait-list individuals
If you suffer from a disability, consult with a legal professional to find out if you qualify for Social Security benefits. Check with your lawyer about the "quick disability determination" and "terminal illness" processes if you think you may not qualify for a compassionate allowance. An experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about Social Security can help you navigate the various claim processes and obtain benefits for which you may be entitled.
Article provided by Alan J. Nuta, Attorney at Law
Visit us at http://www.ssbenefitslawyer.com