The program offers expedited processing of Social Security applications for certain illnesses.
If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Generally, there are two types of benefits available: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Applying and being approved for either SSDI or SSI benefits can be a lengthy process.
However, the SSA provides a fast-track option for individuals who have been diagnosed with medical conditions that have been listed in the Compassionate Allowances List, or CAL. As a California disability benefits lawyer can explain, the conditions on the CAL are severe enough to always match at least one of the SSA’s disability listings. There are no special criteria to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits with CAl. Instead, if you have a condition that is on the CAL, your application will be expedited.
The way that it works is relatively straightforward. You apply for disability benefits in the normal way, filling out the required forms and providing the necessary evidence to support your diagnosis. Generally, you will need to submit enough documentation to show that you have the proper diagnosis. When the SSA reviews your application, it will be selected for fast processing based on the allegations of a disability that is on the CAL.
There are a number of conditions on the CAL that may qualify you for expedited processing. Many of these conditions involve some type of cancer, such as liver cancer, acute leukemia, adrenal cancer, and small cell lung cancer. However, there are a number of other conditions that are contained within the CAL, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple System Atrophy, and Primary Progressive Aphasia. All of the conditions on the CAL are severe in nature.
The specific type of medical evidence that you will be required to submit will depend on the nature of your condition. For example, if you have been diagnosed with cancer, then you may provide a biopsy report. If you have another condition, like malignant Multiple Sclerosis, other types of test results (such as MRI reports) may be required.
Compassionate Allowance cases are often decided in a matter of days, instead of over a period of months (or longer, if further medical evidence is needed). Importantly, getting a Compassionate Allowance approval only means that your application will be decided more quickly. In all other respects, your Social Security benefits and the process to obtain them will be the same as for anyone else.
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially if you have been diagnosed with a serious condition and are grappling with that news. A skilled California disability benefits lawyer can help you with the process, from putting together a strong application to helping you get the necessary medical evidence to support your claim. The attorneys of PLBH are adept at helping clients through the SSDI and SSI system. Contact us today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com to learn more about how we can help you with your application for disability benefits.