People who're seriously ill will want to receive benefits in the earliest possible time, however the application process for many benefits could be tedious and lengthy. This is where a compassionate allowance is available in. If you’re trying to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may have come across the term compassionate allowance. But what exactly is it and what are its eligibility requirements?
In this article, we’ll discuss how a compassionate allowance works, how to find it, and just how a disability lawyer can help.
Defining compassionate allowance
A compassionate allowance is really a program provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables people with disabilities to get benefits faster. The SSA lists compassionate allowances conditions, which are according to certain criteria, for example:
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- The harshness of the condition
- Whether the problem is terminal
- Whether the condition is rare
- Whether the condition meets the SSA’s definition of a disability
If you have a condition that fits any of these criteria, you might be eligible for a compassionate allowance.
Social Security can easily determine those who are probably to fulfill its standards for disability payments by utilizing compassionate allowances. Only a few medical issues qualify, and in some cases, the illness must be inoperable for it to satisfy the compassionate allowances criteria.
Applying for any compassionate allowance
If you think you may be entitled to a compassionate allowance, the first step is to complete an application for SSDI or SSI. When you complete the application, be sure to mention your problem and why you think you should be entitled to a compassionate allowance. The SSA will take a look at application and determine whether you are eligible.
What’s great about a compassionate allowance is you don’t have to make an application for it. Ultimately that Social Security screens applications for diagnoses that indicate the applicant has an illness or condition that falls underneath the group of the compassionate allowance list of conditions. Social Security officials can expedite the processing of applications by flagging them.
Note, however, that although compassionate allowances really are a method for an applicant to be granted benefits quickly, Social Security still needs time to calculate payments. If you’re approved for any compassionate allowance, you’ll receive benefits much sooner than should you have had requested SSDI or SSI without a compassionate allowance. In some cases, benefits can be paid within weeks of applying.
Do I need a disability lawyer?
While you don’t need a lawyer to apply for a compassionate allowance, it’s often helpful to have an experienced disability lawyer in your corner.
Disability lawyers can help with the applying process and ensure that it is complete and accurate. They are able to also assist you to appeal a decision if your application for any compassionate allowance is denied. If you’re approved for any compassionate allowance, a lawyer will help you using the appeals process in case your claim is later denied.
Applying for Social Security disability benefits could be a complicated and confusing process. A disability lawyer can help make sure that your application is complete and accurate and you have the most effective chance of being qualified for benefits.
