When an individual is diagnosed with a fatal or otherwise substantially severe medical condition, the process of applying for government benefits may feel like a waste of precious time. After all, applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits often takes many months. Thankfully, there is an expedited process available for individuals whose conditions clearly meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for disability.
This process is called the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative. It allows SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants with certain conditions to bypass the traditional application process in order to ensure that their benefits are processed more quickly. If you qualify for a CAL waiver, your attorney will be able to help you properly fill out your SSD and/or SSI application and obtain your benefits as quickly as possible. In many cases, individuals eligible for CAL obtain their benefits in just a few weeks.
The SSA publishes a list of current CAL conditions on its website. In general, CAL conditions must be either fatal or so severe as to provoke no questions about whether one will be unable to work while receiving treatment. Examples of CAL conditions include Acute Leukemia, Pancreatic Cancer, Huntington Disease and Lowe Syndrome. If you have questions about whether or not your condition qualifies you for CAL, please consult an experienced SSD attorney who can help you navigate your options.
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with a severe condition, you may not have the strength, energy or will to pursue SSD and/or SSI benefits. However, with a little effort and help from an attorney, you can secure these benefits quickly and use them to help pay for your care.