If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), then you have probably heard that it can take time to go through the application process. That can be difficult for anyone, as being unable to work due to a recently acquired disabling illness or injury can soon cause financial problems. Even if you have savings put aside, which many people don’t, the cost of everyday life and the additional costs you may now face could soon run that money down.
You cannot usually get your claim handled any faster than normal, because there are many others to be handled. However, handling claims more promptly would require more staff working in the Social Security Administration (SSA), which does not seem to be on the horizon any time soon.
The exception to the rule
The SSA does make some exceptions, however. The SSA application processing system is set to pick up on applications with certain conditions that qualify for fast-tracking. Currently, there are close to 300 conditions that qualify for the “Compassionate Allowances” (CAL)
Conditions that qualify for the CAL program meet the SSA’s standards for receiving disability benefits. They’re typically very serious, with little if any chance for improvement or recovery. With the expedited processing that the program provides, people with the most serious conditions can be spared the often-lengthy traditional SSDI approval process and the added worry and anxiety that comes with that for applicants.
It’s important to note, however, that even an application that is flagged for the CAL program can take some time to process and for payments to start going out. Errors and omissions on the application can lengthen that time. Learning more about SSDI is wise for anyone who needs to claim it. Having legal guidance can help.