Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is often a lengthy process. Unfortunately, there are times when an applicant’s condition is so severe that waiting for the normal process might not be possible.
This is where the Compassionate Allowances program may come into the picture. It’s meant to provide benefits to individuals who may not survive long enough for their application to go through the regular approval process.
This program maintains a list of conditions that qualify for the Compassionate Allowances program. Each condition is one that’s so serious that it will automatically qualify for applicant for benefits. Any application that includes one of those conditions is put on a fast-track process for approval.
How are applications sent to the fast-track process?
There isn’t anything special that an applicant has to do if they have a condition on the list. When a person puts in an application for SSDI or SSI, the system will flag ones that have a condition on the Compassionate Allowances List. This enables the application to be processed faster than applications without one of those conditions.
Because the system is automated, it’s critical that applicants include comprehensive information when they apply. Providing sufficient documentation can also help to speed up the process. Typically, applications that apply for Compassionate Allowances will be approved within a week to a few months.
The application process for SSDI and SSI can be rather complex. It may behoove applicants to have someone on their side who can help them throughout the process. If they aren’t approved with their initial application, assistance with appealing is beneficial because the timeframe to do this is very short.