There are a number of medical conditions that automatically qualify someone for Social Security disability benefits. These are often some of the most serious diseases and medical conditions that someone can have. They are part of an SSD program called the Compassionate Allowances program. In the words of SSD, “Compassionate Allowances are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security's standards for disability benefits.” The medical conditions that qualify for the Compassionate Allowances program include many different types of cancers and a number of other rare diseases and disorders. The program is also open to submissions and suggestions concerning additional conditions that should be permitted under the program by the public, disability advocates, medical professionals or others.

Qualifying for the Compassionate Allowances program entitles someone with one of the enumerated medical conditions that are covered under the program to be put to the front of the line of the disability applications currently pending with the Social Security Administration. Whereas the Social Security Administration estimates that the typical length of time for processing an SSD application from receipt is 3-5 months, applications made under the Compassionate Allowances program are treated differently. Putting the applications under the Compassionate Allowances program at the front of the line ensures those with the most serious medical conditions who may need their application considered more urgently than someone with a less serious medical condition will have that processing time reduced. The amount of scrutiny that goes into the medical side applications for SSD benefits under the Compassionate Allowance program is also less extensive given that many of these conditions obviously meet the SSD’s requirements for a medical disability given the nature of many of the terminal illnesses and disorders that are covered under the program.

Talk to The Experienced Social Security Disability Attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman

Often times, however, Social Security administration employees may not understand its own rules enough to properly assess an application for a person with a medical condition who may be eligible for SSD under its Compassionate Allowances program. This may be due to that particular employee’s unfamiliarity with the program. In these instances, our experienced Social Security disability attorneys can help you secure the benefits that are rightfully yours by working with Social Security employees to ensure that your application for benefits receives the expedited consideration that it deserves. We will provide the information to Social Security necessary to ensure an application is properly considered under the Compassionate Allowances program and to obtain benefits for you as quickly as possible.

If you live in the Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach or Roanoke, Virginia, areas and need assistance determining if you qualify for the SSD Compassionate Allowances program, filing your SSD application, or filing an appeal, please contact Kalfus & Nachman PC by phone at (855) 880-8163 or through the form on this page to schedule a free consultation.