Some people rely on Social Security Disability benefits due to serious disabilities that prevent them from being able to work. A person qualifies for Disability under Social Security if the following are true:
• They cannot do work they did before
• They cannot adjust to other work because of their medical condition(s)
• Their disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death
• They are 65 or older, blind, or disabled
Applying for these benefits can take a very long time, but fortunately there is a program that exists to speed up the process for those with certain conditions. The Social Security Administration states that the Compassionate Allowance program, “fast-tracks disability decisions to ensure that Americans with the most serious disabilities receive their benefit decisions within days instead of months or years.” This program was launched in 2008 and included a list of 50 diseases and conditions. In April 2012, 52 new conditions became eligible for the program. These new additions mostly include neurological disorders, cancers, and rare diseases. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is one of the identified illnesses that qualify for expediting the application process. Applicants also have the option of filing for benefits online and can electronically sign and submit their authorization form’s which avoids the need to print, sign, and mail them in.
For more information about the Compassionate Allowance program please visit: http://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/index.htm
