You can get Social Security to decide your SSI or Social Security application more quickly if you convince Social Security to process your case as a “Compassionate Allowance” case. If Social Security considers your case a Compassionate Allowance case, you do not win automatically—you still must prove that you have the condition and it impairs you enough to qualify. You also do not get higher benefits. However, it can really help with the speed of the case and make the process much easier for you.
Having your case considered Compassionate Allowance Program means it will be fast tracked.
This means that Social Security will take every step more quickly. Instead of waiting weeks for your initial appointment, you may get one in a few days. Instead of waiting months for them to review your medical records, they may do so in a few weeks.
You qualify for Compassionate Allowance consideration if you have certain medical conditions
The medical conditions that qualify for Compassionate Allowance consideration are very severe. Stage 4 cancer is often one of them. If you have a very severe illness, you should ask for Compassionate Allowance consideration. A list of 165 conditions, which includes conditions such as cancer, brain injury, immune system disorders, etc. is here:
https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm
Having a case considered as a Compassionate Allowance speeds up the case but does not mean more benefits
A person who wins a Compassionate Allowance case has their decision faster but does not get more money. If the case is for Social Security, there is still a five-month waiting period from when the disability started (not from when the person applied) before Social Security sends the first check. If it SSI, the checks start right away.
Having a Compassionate Allowance case still means the person has to meet all of the other qualifications to get Social Security or SSI.
To get Social Security, a person has to have worked enough quarters to qualify for benefits. To get SSI, a person does not have to have worked a certain amount but has to be low income and have few assets. A person still must meet those rules to qualify, even if the medical condition is very bad.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A CONDITION THAT MEETS THE COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE STANDARD
Call Social Security to apply at 800-772-1213 or go to your local office, which can be found by zip code at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
TELL THE CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVE ON THE PHONE OR IN THE LOCAL OFFICE THE MEDICAL CONDITION AND ASK THAT THE CASE BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE PROGRAM.
Ask for the soonest appointment you can get under the compassionate allowance program
Get medical evidence from your doctor to confirm you have the condition and bring it to your appointment.
There is no special application or form that is unique to the Compassionate Allowance so make sure you are told that it is being processed as a Compassionate Allowance case.
For more information on Compassionate Allowances, Social Security has its own website: https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/index.htm
You may qualify for our services if you are a low income Philadelphian seeking benefits. Contact us to find out at 215-204-1800 or lawtlaw@temple.edu.
PLEASE NOTE: This website and the posts on it are intended as information and not as legal advice on which you should rely. You should seek help from an attorney if you are seeking legal advice about a particular problem.