How Does The Compassionate Allowance Program Affect Your SSDI Claim?

When you’re suffering from a disability, the SSDI program is there to help you cover your expenses. However, you may have to wait months to start receiving your benefits. The long waiting times could be incredibly stressful for someone with a severe health issue. Thankfully, the Compassionate Allowance Program is in place to ensure disability benefits reach the people who need them the most. Understand more about how this program works and how it can affect your case.

What Is The Compassionate Allowance Program?

Created by the SSA in 2009, the Compassionate Allowance Program (CAP) provides a way to fast-track your SSDI application in certain circumstances. Most disability applicants need to wait months, or even years in some cases, to receive their first payout. However, the CAP quickly identifies those with severe disabilities and immediately approves their claims. This way, those in serious need of financial help can support themselves as soon as possible.

Which Conditions Qualify For The CAP?

The SSA has a detailed list of medical conditions qualifying for the CAP.  Most of these are specific types of cancers, diseases that affect minors, or adult-onset brain disorders.

A few of the most common ones are: 

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Lung Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Mowat-Wilson Syndrome
• Liver Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Adult Onset Huntington’s Disease

If you don’t see your health condition on this list, it may be part of it in the future. The SSA constantly adds new diseases to the CAP, so always check with your attorney to see if your case is eligible for faster processing.

Is There A Specific Application To Apply For CAP?

There’s no specific application to qualify for the CAP. All you need to do is submit your disability claim and provide detailed evidence of your medical condition. This includes your medical records, examination results, or anything else to help your case. If you meet the requirements, the SSA will automatically flag your application and begin processing your claim immediately.

How Long Is The Waiting Period For Benefits?

Unlike standard disability applications, your SSDI claim processing could be significantly reduced if you qualify for the CAP. Instead of waiting months, you could receive a final decision in a few short weeks. However, remember that every claim is different, and the SSA may ask for more information or further testing before deciding. Always have the necessary paperwork ready to ensure your claim gets approved as early as possible. 

Our Attorneys Are Here To Help

Suffering from a debilitating medical condition can leave you unable to provide for yourself and your family. Thankfully, the CAP allows you to get the financial resources you need.

Our professional social security disability attorneys help determine if your illness qualifies for expedited processing through the CAP. We will also help you present a solid case to the SSA and ensure you get the benefits you deserve. Please contact us online or call us at 855-622-7686 to schedule a free consultation today.