Compassionate Allowances Program

Compassionate Allowances in Social Security Disability

Knowledgeable Lawyers Dedicated to Assisting Individuals with Severe Medical Conditions Apply for the CAL Program in Charlotte, NC

The application process for disabled individuals seeking benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be complicated and time-consuming. Unfortunately, many applicants also have their initial disability claims denied, forcing them to go through the lengthy appeals process in hopes of reversing the decision. For some disabled Americans, the wait time for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be far too lengthy, as they are contending with rare diseases and severe medical conditions that are incredibly detrimental to their health and well-being. Some individuals with qualifying medical conditions may be able to avoid the lengthy wait for typical application proceedings and submit an application for the compassionate allowances program (CAL).

People with medical impairments included on the compassionate allowances list need to seek professional guidance from experienced lawyers to assist them in submitting their claim. Skilled legal representation can make a big difference, potentially avoiding unnecessary delays or denials of disability benefits.

What is the Compassionate Allowances Program? 

The compassionate allowances program is a way for the Social Security Administration to quickly identify the applicant’s diseases as qualifying CAL conditions, thereby fast-tracking their application process and potentially awarding them benefits much more rapidly than standard disability claims would allow. Only those with the most severe conditions, such as certain cancers, serious adult brain disorders, and other impairments, may qualify for the compassionate allowances program and expedited disability benefits. Those who are eligible and meet the compassionate allowance conditions can typically have their claim reviewed in one to two weeks, rather than waiting half a year or more.

Simply having the necessary medical conditions is not always enough to be approved for the program. Applicants must also present compelling evidence, such as medical records from before and after their disability, the testimony from medical and scientific experts, work history if applying for SSDI benefits, and all the necessary documentation. If approved, these disabled persons could obtain the necessary financial support they need from their local Social Security office.

Which Medical Conditions May Automatically Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? 

Many of the medical conditions on the compassionate allowances list are various forms of cancer, but other conditions are considered severe enough to qualify for the program. New conditions are being added all the time, so it’s vital to seek the legal help of experienced attorneys to keep you up to date on the current list of impairments and conditions.

Examples of the serious medical conditions included on the CAL list include the following:

  • Acute leukemia
  • ALS
  • Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome
  • Child lymphoma
  • Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
  • Fatal familial insomnia
  • Huntington’s disease, which can affect children and adults
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Inflammatory breast cancer
  • Malignant multiple sclerosis
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Progressive muscular atrophy
  • Thymic carcinoma
  • And other severe conditions and rare disorders

What is the Compassionate Allowances Application Process? 

If your medical condition is on the CAL list, you will not need to complete extra paperwork to expedite your Social Security disability benefit application. The application is the same as any standard disability claim and requires the same sort of testimony from medical experts, necessary forms, test results, and other documentation. Upon reviewing your disability claim, the SSA will check to see whether your condition is on the compassionate allowances list. If your medical condition is listed, the SSA will expedite your claim.

Before awarding applicants with financial assistance, either through SSI or SSDI benefits, they must be convinced that your claim is genuine. To succeed, you must submit comprehensive medical documentation to support your claim. The SSA will not approve your application unless there is sufficient proof of your serious medical condition.

Are There Other Ways of Fast-Tracking the Application Process?

Even if you do not qualify for the compassionate allowance program, there may be other ways to speed up your SSDI or SSI application proceedings. For example, if your illness is terminal and will result in claiming your life, you can hope to expedite the application process through the Social Security Administration’s terminal illness program.

Another option is the Quick Determination Program. This program is meant to identify and quickly process claims for individuals with obvious mental health or physical disabilities.

How Can Our Charlotte Disability Attorneys Be of Assistance?

There are several reasons why we recommend contacting our North Carolina law firm to discuss your case before applying for benefits. Experienced Social Security disability attorneys can assist you throughout the entire process of your claim, easing the burden and simplifying matters so that you can enjoy your disability benefits without undue hardship.

Some of the services that our Charlotte lawyers provide include the following:

  • To begin, our disability attorneys will review your case to determine whether your condition qualifies for the CAL program.
  • We will collect, organize, and help present the medical evidence needed to substantiate your disability claim. 
  • Our Charlotte attorneys will work directly with your doctors and other medical or scientific experts to obtain necessary statements that can strengthen your claim.
  • We will continually monitor your claim as it goes through the application process, addressing any issues that may arise.
  • If there are any complications with your disability case, more lawyers will handle these issues so that you do not face unnecessary delays.
  • Unfortunately, many applications are denied, and if it becomes necessary, we will assist you throughout the appeals process in pursuit of a more favorable outcome.

Contact Our Charlotte Law Offices to Schedule Your Consultation with Our Experienced Attorneys Today

Our North Carolina law firm has extensive experience assisting clients through the expedited process of the CAL program and with standard disability claims. To learn more about how we can assist you with applying for and obtaining benefits, please contact our law office to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team today.

You can get in touch with us by calling us at 704-385-5281.