The Social Security Administration (SSA) is notoriously slow in processing applications for disability benefits. There’s information that an applicant may share that may move their application to the front of the line for processing, though. Some low-income individuals who are disabled due to specific medical conditions may qualify for expedited processing of their application.
There are also more than 240 conditions that form part of the Social Security Compassionate Allowances program. Some of the many conditions on this list include immune-system and neurodegenerative diseases, rapidly progressing cancers and rare genetic disorders. These conditions often prevent individuals from working and are likely to result in that person’s death. Anyone who has one of these conditions also qualifies for expedited processing of their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application.
An applicant doesn’t specifically need to apply for a compassionate allowance or any other expedited review to call the SSA’s attention to their diagnosis with one of these conditions. The federal agency uses a software system to identify applications that may qualify for expedited review instead. The severity of an applicant’s condition or diagnosis will help reviewers determine whether to approve someone for disability benefits.
The SSA has a secondary software called Quick Disability Determination (QDD) that screens applications for keywords and phrases that indicate a high likelihood of approval for benefits. These applications may also be set aside for quicker processing.
An application may also be fast-tracked for review if the applicant indicates that their condition is terminal. If the application involves a low-weight infant child or a person in imminent danger of becoming homeless due to their disability, then reviewers will also expedite the processing of an application. Veterans who become injured on active duty also tend to have their claims moved to the front of the line.
Preparation is vital if you want to secure disability benefits. A Social Security Disability benefits for illness attorney here in Oklahoma City can help you apply for benefits so that the SSA reviews your application as quickly as possible and makes a decision.