If you suffer from a disability in the later years of your life, it might affect your ability to work and support yourself or your family. Social Security Disability Insurance exists to help you through difficult times such as these, but the application process can take over a year or more in some cases.
Individuals with a qualifying work history should be able to secure the help they need through Social Security, and that is why the compassionate allowances system is in place. By learning more about compassionate allowances, you can better understand your options for receiving support through SSDI.
How does the SSA define compassionate allowances?
The Social Security Administration explains that compassionate allowances are a means of identifying medical conditions that clearly meet the standards for Social Security disability benefits. The compassionate allowance system helps the SSA reduce the waiting time for applicants with the most serious disabilities. In this way, the people with the greatest need for financial support have easier access to the help they deserve.
How do you know if you qualify for a compassionate allowance?
The SSA provides a complete list of conditions that qualify for a compassionate allowance. This list includes various cancers, brain disorders and even certain rare conditions that affect children. You can make the SSA aware of your eligibility for a compassionate allowance by including evidence of your qualifying condition, such as a diagnosis from a medical professional, when submitting your SSDI application.
Receiving SSDI benefits might be your only solution for maintaining a comfortable quality of life when you are living with a disability. If you believe that you qualify for a compassionate allowance despite denial from the SSA, you may have the right to pursue legal action to secure the benefits that are rightfully yours.
