The Social Security Administration (SSA) last month added 12 severe medical conditions to its list of ailments that qualify for the agency’s Compassionate Allowances program, which speeds up the process for people seeking Social Security disability (SSD) benefits.
Through the Compassionate Allowances program, the SSA more quickly identifies applicant claims that meet the agency’s criteria for a disability. Under the program, the SSA often accepts disability claims for severe medical conditions simply based on confirmation of the diagnosis.
Approves 800,000 applicants
The Compassionate Allowances program has existed since 2008 as a way to reduce barriers for eligible applicants so they can more swiftly gain the benefits that they need.
Currently, more than 800,000 people with severe disabilities received approval from this accelerated process. A total of 266 medical conditions or diseases qualify for the Compassionate Allowances list.
List of added 12 conditions
On Aug. 15, the SSA announced that the Compassionate Allowances program added these 12 conditions:
- Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma
- Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
- Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease
- Microvillus inclusion disease
- Mowat-Wilson syndrome
- Myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts
- NUT carcinoma
- Pfeiffer syndrome – Types II and III
- Pontocerebellar hypoplasia
- Posterior cortical atrophy
- Renal amyloidosis – AL type
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma
Many Americans live with severe diseases or medical conditions. They deserve fair treatment and gain SSD benefits that will help them and their families.
Good sign: an expanded program
The SSA continues to make changes geared toward assisting the millions of Americans who cannot work due to a medical ailment. The Compassionate Allowances program helps. It is a positive sign to see the expansion of the program.
