WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gaining approval for Social Security Disability (SSDI) can be challenging. For those under 62, there are numerous requirements. However, with a “compassionate allowance,” you might receive payments sooner. In addition, the Social Security Administration recently added 12 more medical conditions to their eligibility list.
To determine disability benefits, the agency requires medical records. They utilize advanced technology to swiftly identify and decide on Compassionate Allowances cases. Through the use of electronic medical records, the agency can efficiently gather and assess a claimant’s medical data.
The recent inclusions are:
- 1p36 Deletion Syndrome
- Anaplastic Ependymoma
- Calciphylaxis
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- FOXG1 Syndrome
- Leber Congenital Amaurosis
- Metastatic Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
- Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration
- Pineoblastoma – Childhood
- Primary Omental Cancer
- Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Lung – Stages II-IV
- Trisomy 9
Details on all Compassionate Allowances conditions can be found at www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances.
It’s crucial to differentiate between SSDI and Social Security Income (SSI), as they are distinct. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) provides guidelines for SSI:
- Only adults with disabilities can apply online, and they must meet Social Security criteria.
- Online applications aren’t available for children under 18 with a disability or non-disabled seniors over 65. They need to either visit a local Social Security office or call the provided number.
- A strict disability definition based on work capability and disability duration is used. Applicants must provide medical documentation.
- Short-term or partial disabilities don’t qualify for SSI or SSDI. SSDI processing varies but averages 3-5 months.
- Beginning at age 62, early Social Security retirement benefits are accessible. However, this results in a reduced lifelong benefit. In contrast, SSDI amounts equal the full Social Security retirement benefit.
Due to the intricacies of Social Security programs, it’s advised to contact the Social Security Administration directly or visit a local office.