Close-up of a man filling out a Social Security Disability claim with a red pen

Understanding the Social Security Disability Compassionate Allowances Program

Being unable to work because of an illness, injury, or disability can put you in a precarious financial situation. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability lawyers are dedicated to helping clients in the greater NYC area receive the benefits they need. Here, we explain the Social Security Disability Compassionate Allowances program (CAL) and how it helps speed up the SSDI application process.

What Is the Social Security Compassionate Allowances Program?

The SSDI Compassionate Allowances program enables the Social Security Administration (SSA) to quickly identify and expedite the processing of SSDI applications for people with severe medical conditions that clearly meet the SSA’s definition of a disability.

These conditions are on the Social Security Compassionate Allowance list and include certain types of cancers and rare diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The list is regularly updated based on input from the public, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), medical experts, and advocacy groups.

How Are Social Security Disability Applications Fast-Tracked?

If you have a condition on the Social Security Compassionate Allowances list, the SSA will prioritize your claim and make a decision more quickly. The SSA uses an automated system to identify eligible cases based on the information provided in your Social Security Disability application. This system scans for keywords and conditions to expedite the identification and processing of eligible cases.

If you have a condition that qualifies for the SSDI Compassionate Allowance, it’s crucial to include this information on your application. With electronic records transmission, the SSA may obtain and review medical information to quickly assess eligibility, which helps avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining medical evidence. It may take as little as a week or up to a few months for your SSDI application to be approved.

How Do I Apply for a Social Security Disability Compassionate Allowance?

There is no special process to apply for an SSDI Compassionate Allowance. However, it’s important to ensure that your application clearly indicates the presence of a qualifying condition on the Social Security Compassionate Allowance list. Providing comprehensive, accurate information when applying for Social Security Disability benefits is essential. Having an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer assist you with your application can help you avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of a quick approval process.

An SSDI Lawyer Can Help With SSDI Applications and Appeals

Regardless of whether you have a condition that qualifies for the Compassionate Allowance program, navigating the SSDI application process is daunting. An SSDI lawyer can ensure important deadlines are met and all relevant information is included on your Social Security Disability application.

The Social Security Disability attorneys at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, have a track record of success helping clients in the greater NYC area obtain SSDI benefits. We can evaluate your case and advise you of the best way forward. If you’ve received a Social Security Disability denial, we can guide you through the appeals process. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela proudly provides legal assistance to our Spanish-speaking clients who need help with New York workers’ compensation and SSDI claims.

Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney in the Greater NYC Area

As native Staten Islanders, the SSDI lawyers Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, are invested in our community and provide exceptional legal services to clients in the greater NYC area. To schedule a free consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer in the greater New York City area, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online.

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