Those who are relatively unfamiliar with the many processes and procedures surrounding the securing of Social Security disability benefits may be entirely unaware of the existence of the incredibly valuable Compassionate Allowances program.
CAL was established by the Social Security Administration in recognition of the fact that some people are suffering from medical conditions so severe that they would clearly satisfy the agency’s definition of disability, and benefit greatly from expedited processing of their SSDI and SSI claims.
Applicants are not required to fill out any special paperwork under the CAL program. Rather, they fill out the standard applications for SSDI or SSI benefits (or both), and submit it the SSA, where cutting-edge technology enables agency officials to identify those applicants suffering from one of the 225 medical conditions recognized under the CAL program.
In general, these applicants will see a final decision on their benefits issued within weeks as opposed to months or even years. Indeed, the CAL program has enabled the fast-track processing of nearly 200,000 applications, giving people facing otherwise difficult times a welcome break.
It should be noted, however, that the list of medical conditions recognized by the CAL program was only expanded to 225 earlier this month.
In a Jan. 15 press release, Acting Commissioner of Social Security Carolyn Colvin announced that the agency was adding 25 new conditions to the program, including 12 types of cancer, as well as immune, digestive and neurological disorders.
The move to add 25 new conditions should not come as a surprise given that the SSA had previously announced plans to add more CAL conditions on an annual basis, working with both medical experts and the National Institute of Health to identify viable additions.
“We are dedicated to providing vulnerable Americans with faster access to disability benefits through our Compassionate Allowances program,” said Commissioner Colvin. “Social Security disability benefits are a vital lifeline for individuals who are facing severe diseases and we must ensure that they receive the benefits they rightly deserve.”
If you would like to learn more about your rights and your options for securing SSD benefits or the CAL program, consider contacting an experienced and dedicated attorney who can help guide you through the complex process.
Source: Social Security Administration News, “Social Security announces new Compassionate Allowances conditions,” Jan. 15, 2014
Tags: benefits, Social Security Disability, SSDI
