Compassionate Allowances Program

Published on: February 24, 2016

How Long Does It Take for a Social Security Disability Claim to Be Processed?

The time it takes to receive a decision on social security disability benefits will depend on many factors. In many case, unfortunately, the process of approving claims is very slow because of the large backlog of claims at the Social Security Administration (SSA). The time delay is also due to the large number of disability beneficiaries, and the increase in the number of beneficiaries every year.

Typically however, you can expect a time gap of 30-90 days before your disability claim is processed. However, that is the average time, and some claims may not result in a decision for up to two years after the claim has been filed.

Simply stated, there are no definite answers about how long it will take for your claim to be processed. It usually takes time for your doctor’s office to provide the examiner with the medical documentation and evidence that is necessary to decide your claim. Claims examiners are very busy, and may be in charge of processing hundreds of claims.

Continue reading →

Published on: May 27, 2015

Does a Cancer Diagnosis Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

By Lisa Siegel

When a cancer patient applies for Social Security Disability benefits, eligibility is determined by using the same criteria as for other disability applicants. Merely having a cancer diagnosis does not immediately make a person eligible for benefits. However, certain types of cancer patients may have the processing of their claims expedited, based on the diagnosis alone.

In order to be eligible for benefits because of cancer, you have to meet certain conditions established by the Social Security Administration. For instance, the cancer must be inoperable, with no potential for control using treatment. It must be recurrent or must have spread. A person suffering from some types of cancer however, may be eligible for expedited claims process approvals.

Persons who suffer from certain types of breast cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, specific types of mesothelioma, and cancers of the gall bladder, or pancreas, may be eligible for an expedited process in which their claims are approved based on the diagnosis. Additionally, in order to qualify for expedited approval, applicants must provide details of their history, work schedule limits and, in some cases, financial criteria. Claims based on many types of cancer may be expedited under the Compassionate Allowances Program, which allows for expedited benefits approval for certain types of ailments and conditions.

Continue reading →

Published on: April 28, 2015

SSA Compassionate Allowances Program

By Lisa Siegel

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Social Security benefits system is the amount of time that it takes for the typical claim to be processed. It could take months for your claim to be processed, which is one of the reasons why taking action sooner than later is so important. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes it possible for some persons who suffer from very serious conditions and illnesses to qualify for expedited claims approvals.

The Compassionate Allowances Program allows disabled Americans who apply for disability benefits to get their claims approved much quicker. The Compassionate Allowances Program is specifically designed for persons who suffer from illnesses that are so severe that it is very obvious that they would qualify for benefits under the Social Security disability program. Therefore, the agency simply approves these processes, and grants applicants benefits without the long delay that often accompanies the normal process.

How long does it take to get claims approved under the Compassionate Allowances Program?

Continue reading →