If you are seriously ill, you still have to apply for a disability benefit and fit the criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
However, the SSA does have a long list of serious medical conditions that qualify for fast tracking your application for disability benefits.
This is called the compassionate allowance list. When the SSA reviews an applicant’s claim the administrator will consult the list of compassionate allowances.
If the test results and supporting documents show that the applicant has an eligible medical condition, he or she will start to receive payments quite quickly often within 60 days of the application being lodged.
Terminal Illness or Compassionate Allowance List
If an illness is terminal it will be included on the compassionate allowance list for fast approval for disability benefits.
Medical conditions such as terminal cancer or a severe genetic disorder often qualify for compassionate allowances.
Fast tracking disability benefits means the victim’s family can begin to receive money while the rest of the application is being processed. If you believe you are in this situation you should check the compassionate allowances list before you start your application.
VA 100% P&T Disabled
The SSA usually identifies automatically those veterans who meet the VA 100% Permanent and Total disability compensation rating. Once identified a VA rating of 100% P&T can get the applicant an expedited disability benefits claim.
This means your case will be considered for a disability benefit more quickly, even if your application in the end is not approved.
A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total is not a guarantee that you will qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits as, you will still need to meet the Social Security’s definition of being disabled. This includes providing evidence for the following:
- you cannot work because of your medical condition;
- your medical condition(s) must have either lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or lead to death.
Have Enough Supporting Evidence
You need to make sure you have enough supporting evidence to show you qualify for disability benefits. This includes identifying your medical condition in the SSA’s blue book, providing a doctor’s medical report that includes the results of relevant medical tests and proving you are unable to earn a living for at least 12 months.
Most claims are denied at the initial application often because the supporting evidence isn’t sufficient to prove you are suffering from a medical condition that qualifies you to receive disability benefits.
Working With a Disability Lawyer
Because so often applications for disability benefits are denied a disability lawyer may be able to help your claim get approved faster by ensuring you have sufficient evidence to support your claim.
A disability lawyer can offer a quick assessment of your medical condition and determine what is required to prove you will qualify for disability benefits.
