If you’re disabled and out of work, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Hundreds of conditions “automatically” qualify for disability benefits, meaning that your application’s review and approval may come in as little as 10 days. Most conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits are terminal. Here are some examples of the types of conditions that are eligible for expedited Social Security disability qualification:
1. Advanced Cancers
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, claiming millions of lives every year. A cancer diagnosis alone is not enough to automatically qualify for Social Security disability, but cancer that has spread to another organ is. If your cancer is stage IV, or even stage III in some cases, you may be approved for disability benefits immediately.
To automatically qualify with advanced cancer, you’ll need to have a pathology report on file showing the exact size of your tumor(s) and how far they’ve spread from the location of origin.
2. ALS
ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a deadly autoimmune disease that can strike anyone. Fortunately, ALS automatically qualifies so long as your diagnosis followed “standard protocol,” essentially meaning that as long as your doctor used recognized tests and methods to determine the diagnosis, you’ll be approved. In fact, people with ALS who automatically qualify for disability benefits also have the added bonus of automatically enrolling onto Medicare as well.
3. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease typically affects people age 65+, which means it usually does not qualify for disability benefits. You are no longer eligible for disability benefits once you hit your full retirement age. One way someone with Alzheimer’s disease can qualify is if they’re diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, aka they were diagnosed before age 65. This form of Alzheimer’s disease is very rare, which is why the SSA is more likely to grant immediate benefit approval.
4. Catastrophic Congenital Illnesses
A catastrophic congenital illness is any kind of serious birth defect affecting a newborn at birth. While some conditions like Down syndrome and autism are congenital, they are not necessarily “catastrophic.” For children with a catastrophic illness to quality, they need to have a life expectancy of no longer than a few months, or have severe deficits ability to perform activities, such as requiring a breathing tube for the rest of their lives.
5. Paralysis
The SSA will automatically approve anyone who is unable to “ambulate effectively.” This means that you cannot walk for more than a couple of blocks without the use of mobility devices, you are able to stand from a seated position, and you are able to stand without any assistances. Of course, will not be able to perform any of these activities, meaning that they will qualify.
Applicants with amputations will also qualify under these criteria if they are unable to use a prosthetic device to walk.
How To Start The Process
If you meet any of the above criteria, or have one of the top 10 qualifying disabilities, you may be eligible for rapid disability approval. Most claimants unfortunately will not qualify for Social Security disability benefits. This is why it’s so important to get legal help before starting your disability application. Fill out our Free Disability Evaluation to connect with someone who can help you with your claim and determine if your condition automatically qualifies for financial aid today.
