The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made a significant announcement last August 12, unveiling new additions to its compassionate allowances list. This update is part of the SSA’s ongoing efforts to expedite applications for disability benefits.
In their recent statement, the SSA revealed that 9 new conditions have been included in the compassionate allowances list. Additionally, two existing conditions have received important revisions. These changes are designed to ensure that individuals suffering from severe ailments receive the support they need more swiftly.
- Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome
- Costello Syndrome
- Adult Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1-4
- Child Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1A/1B (revised existing condition)
- Histiocytic Malignancies
- Histiocytosis Syndromes (revised existing condition)
- Neonatal Marfan Syndrome
- PACS1 Syndrome
- Plasmablastic Lymphoma
- Renal Medullary Carcinoma
- Snijders Blok-Campeau Syndrome
With these new updates, the SSA is demonstrating its commitment to providing efficient and compassionate service to individuals grappling with severe disabilities.
The Compassionate Allowances program swiftly identifies claims where the applicant’s medical condition or disease clearly aligns with Social Security’s statutory standard for disability, according to a statement from the agency.
Due to the severe nature of many of these conditions, these claims are often approved based solely on medical confirmation of the diagnosis. To date, more than one million people with severe disabilities have been approved through this expedited, policy-compliant disability process, which now includes a total of 287 conditions.
Accelerating the Social Security Disability Benefits Process
SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized that this initiative is designed to speed up the disability benefits application process.
Commitment to Reducing Wait Times
“I am steadfastly committed to reducing the amount of time people wait to receive a decision on their disability claim, and we are making progress,” O’Malley said in the statement. “Compassionate Allowances helps in this effort by accelerating the disability application process for people who are likely to get approved for benefits due to the severity of their medical condition.”
Summing up, the Compassionate Allowances program:
- Focuses on quickly identifying eligible claims.
- Relies on medical confirmation of diagnosis for approval.
- Has approved over one million severe disability cases so far.
- Includes 287 medical conditions.
This program is a crucial step in ensuring that individuals with severe disabilities receive the support and benefits they need without unnecessary delay.
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits in the U.S.
As of July, 7.2 million Americans were receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), according to government data. The total monthly benefits amounted to $11 million, with an average payment of about $1,500 per recipient.
Ensuring Accuracy in Disability Applications
The SSA emphasized that to authenticate the validity of disability applications, the agency thoroughly examines the medical records of individuals requesting benefits. By leveraging advanced technological tools, the SSA aims to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the application process.
Technological Advancements in Disability Determination
“The agency incorporates leading technology to identify potential Compassionate Allowances (CAL) conditions and make quick decisions,” stated the SSA. “Social Security’s Health IT initiative brings the speed and efficiency of electronic medical records to the disability determination process.”
By using cutting-edge technology, the SSA is committed to streamlining the disability determination process, ensuring that those who qualify for benefits receive them promptly and accurately.