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U.S. SSA Compassionate Allowances List

NOTE: This article is over 3 years old and may not reflect current information, despite the page being updated. It may still be useful for research but should be verified for accuracy and relevance.

Published: 2009-02-24 - Updated: 2023-01-27
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (Disabled-World.com)
Peer-Reviewed Publication: Yes
Library of Related Papers: U.S. Social Security Publications

Synopsis: Social Security Compassionate allowance benefits are fast-tracked for diseases and medical conditions that invariably qualify under the listing of impairments. The Social Security Compassionate Allowance initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability applicants whose medical conditions are very severe. Suppose a claimant has a disabling condition listed on the Compassionate Allowance list. In that case, the SSA will approve their disability in as little as ten days, with limited medical information which proves their diagnosis.

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Definition

Social Security Compassionate Allowances

Compassionate allowances quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits. The compassionate allowances list allows the agency to electronically target and make quick decisions for the most disabled individuals. If a claimant has a condition on the Compassionate Allowance list, the SSA will approve their disability in as little as ten days, with limited medical information which proves their diagnosis.

Main Digest

Compassionate Allowance Facts

Related Publications:

Alphabetical List of Compassionate Allowance Health Conditions

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U W X Z

Rare Diseases

Many people with rare diseases encounter delays of months or even years when they apply for assistance through SSA. Compassionate allowances will allow Social Security to quickly target the most disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that we can obtain quickly.

Often, people with rare diseases are initially denied assistance but later reapply, often with the help of an attorney, and ultimately are approved. The delay and expense of attorney fees can be overwhelming to people who are already coping with serious illness, major medical expenses, and loss of ability to perform normal activities, including work.

Obligation

U.S. Social Security must quickly provide benefits to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that they meet disability standards. The Compassionate Allowance initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability applicants whose medical conditions are very severe. Many people with rare diseases experience devastating delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are unfamiliar with their diseases.

The initial list of Compassionate Allowance conditions was developed as a result of information received at public outreach hearings, public comment on an Advance Notice of Proposed Rule-making, comments received from the Social Security and Disability Determination Service communities, and the counsel of medical and scientific experts. Also, we considered which conditions are most likely to meet our current definition of disability.

The Program is Just a Start

There are 6,000 to 7,000 known rare diseases, many of which could qualify for a compassionate allowance. NORD is committed to working with SSA to bring many rare diseases under this program. The list below will be expanded over time as more fast-track medical conditions are approved. For more information about the program, including a current up to date list of all compassionate allowance conditions, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances

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Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.

• Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2009, February 24). U.S. SSA Compassionate Allowances List. Disabled World. Retrieved June 2, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/compassionate-allowance.php

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