Compassionate Allowances Claims

The Social Security Administration (SSA) says it is dealing with a backlog of more than 800,000 claims for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. An average application is now processed in 353 days. That's almost a full year!

The Social Security Administration is obligated to afford benefits promptly to applicants with serious medical conditions that obviously qualify for disability benefits. A Compassionate Allowance is a way for the SSA to identify applicants with a serious medical condition based on the Listing of Impairments. This requires little medical information from the applicant, as long as they can prove that they have an illness, disease, or condition on the Listing of Impairments. This is designed to find the most apparent disabled applicants and get them benefits quickly without the lengthy applications process that is typical for applying for SSD. If you or a loved one has a qualifying medical condition for compassionate allowances, contact J. Clay Benson, Attorney at Law, (334) 356-1925, or toll free at (855)-94J-CLAY or use our online contact form for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

What is the Compassionate Allowances Program?
Social Security uses the Compassionate Allowances list to quickly identify conditions that meet its standards for SSD benefits. The program fast-tracks disability benefits decisions, often speeding up the approval process so applicants with the most serious illnesses can get benefits within days or weeks instead of months or years. By definition, these conditions are so severe that the Social Security Administration does not need to fully develop an applicant's medical history to make a decision regarding benefits.

As of 2013, the Compassionate Allowances program applies to a total of 200 diseases and disorders. The lists includes cancers, adult brain disorders, early-onset Alzheimer's disease, immune system conditions, rare genetic disorders affecting children and other disorders.

In 2011, the SSA eliminated the requirement to include work and education history in a benefits application under this program. The severity of eligible conditions often makes this information unnecessary, the SSA says.

When You Need a Quick SSDI or SSI Decision
On its website, the SSA says that individuals with Compassionate Allowances conditions may receive a decision on their claim in a matter of weeks instead of months or years.

An application can be delayed if the SSA requires a medical examination to obtain evidence to support the claim. The SSA also randomly selects applications to conduct quality assurance reviews of decisions. Either situation would delay a benefits decision and, in turn, payment of your benefits.

Applicants still have a number of regulations to understand and application requirements to satisfy before receiving benefits, something that can make it difficult for people to receive the benefits they deserve.

Contact an experienced Compassionate Allowances Claims Lawyer Today!
For over 15 years, J. Clay Benson, Attorney at Law, has represented individuals who have been denied their Social Security disability benefits. Call us today at (334) 356-1925, or toll free at (855)-94J-CLAY or use our online contact form for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. If our lawyers can assist you, we will proceed on a contingency-fee basis. This means we don't get paid for our services until you recover money.

Mr. Benson has dedicated his law practice to treating each client with dignity and respect while determining the best course of action to help them recover the compensation they deserve. He advocates for his clients in Montgomery, Alabama, and across the U.S. on a daily basis to make sure their rights are protected and fights for the benefits they deserve.