What is the ‘Compassionate Allowances’ program?

When you suffer from a disabling injury or illness during your working years, you may be concerned not only about your health, but also how you will provide for your loved ones if your disability prevents you from returning to your job, or any other job for that matter. It is times like these that Tennessee residents may want to pursue Social Security disability benefits.

You may have heard that it takes a long time to be approved for SSD benefits, and that many applications are initially denied. However, the Social Security Administration has a way to fast track certain applications through its “Compassionate Allowances” program.

What is the “Compassionate Allowances” program?

Under the Compassionate Allowances program, if you have a certain medical condition, you will be deemed disabled and may have your application processed quicker than those who have conditions not named under the Compassionate Allowances program. All applications for SSD benefits will be screened to deem if they meet the necessary requirements for the Compassionate Allowances program; applicants need not do anything special to be considered. This reduces the waiting time for those who have serious disabilities.

What conditions fall under the “Compassionate Allowances” program?

The following are some conditions that fall under the “Compassionate Allowances” program. Keep in mind that this list is not all-exhaustive; there are many conditions not listed here that fall under the “Compassionate Allowances” program. Some qualifying conditions include:

• Certain cancers such as acute leukemia, certain bladder cancers, certain breast cancers, certain childhood cancers, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, certain kidney cancers, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, certain lung cancers and thyroid cancer
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
• Malignant Multiple Sclerosis

Adding to the list of Compassionate Allowances medical conditions

It is possible for you to submit the name of a condition you feel should be included under the Compassionate Allowances program. You can do so online. When doing so, you will need to provide the SSA with your contact information, the name or names of the medical condition, a description of the medical condition, any diagnostic testing or physical findings if available, the onset of the condition, how the condition progresses and how the condition is treated.

The Compassionate Allowances program may fast-track your application for benefits

The Compassionate Allowance program is meant to fast track the decision-making process when it comes to applications for SSD benefits. This post cannot guarantee any specific outcome in your application for SSD benefits, so those in Tennessee who want to learn more about applying for SSD benefits can seek professional advice.